Rescorla-Wagner Model

Example of Predictability in Conditioning: Consistent vs. Inconsistent Dinner Times

Two researchers are training pigeons to peck a key for a food reward. Researcher A's setup delivers a food pellet every single time a green light flashes. Researcher B's setup also flashes a green light before delivering a food pellet, but it also flashes the green light frequently at other times when no food is delivered. After many trials, which outcome is most likely?

A researcher is conducting two separate experiments to condition a rat to freeze in response to a tone. In Experiment A, the tone is sounded for 5 seconds, and a mild electric shock is delivered immediately after the tone ends. This pairing occurs consistently every time. In Experiment B, the tone is also sounded for 5 seconds, but the shock is delivered randomly—sometimes during the tone, sometimes minutes after, and sometimes not at all. Based on the principles of how associations are formed,