PSY 333 CSULB Study Guide: Abnormal Psychology Course Review
Often, behaviorists and cognitive psychologists attempt to explain the same phenomena
especially when it comes to learning and memory. Upon which points do they agree and
disagree and why? - correct answer ✔✔agree:
mental states aren't observable
introspection is not a good method
we should study behavior since it's directly observable
disagree:
on the importance of mental states and cognitive processes in explaining behavior and whether
or not they can be studied
Describe the CER procedure and the use of suppression ratios to measure fear and demonstrate
classical conditioning of this motivational state. - correct answer ✔✔Skinner's CER(Conditioned
Emotional Response) Procedure =
Train rats to bar press for food
Repeatedly pair a 3-minute TONE + SHOCK until the tone reliably elicits freezing
Allow rats to bar press for food again then introduce the 3 minute tone
Count the number of bar presses during the 3 minutes PRIOR to the TONE and for 3 minutes
DURING the TONE
Davis (1974) is an excellent example of the study of 2 forms of simple "non-associative"
conditioning. What were those forms of simple conditioning: name and define each. Draw
graph(s) and label axes depicting the results of this study. How would Groves & Thompson
(1970) interpret the results? - correct answer ✔✔habituation: decrease in the strength of a
response following repeated presentations *you learn that the object is of no actual threat*
, sensitization: increase in the strength of a response following repeated presentations of a single
stimulus
Describe, in detail, habituation and sensitization in Aplysia. What is the neurobiological
mechanism responsible for each? - correct answer ✔✔The neurobiological mechanism is the
Withdrawal Reflex
Habituation in Aplysia DECREASES the neurotransmitter Glutamate
Sensitization in Aplysia INCREASES the neurotransmitter Serotonin
We discussed in class and you read in your textbooks about Descartes' theory of behavior.
Discuss his theory making sure to include senses, muscles, nerves, and "animal spirits" in your
answer. - correct answer ✔✔Involuntary actions= reflexes = actions that are involuntary are
triggered by external events, controlled by the body.
Ex: burning your hand.
Voluntary actions= occur because of a person's conscious choice or free will, and are completely
independent of the outside world, controlled by the mind.
Ex: I am hungry so I am gonna get food.
What were the laws of association according to the British Associationists? Define and give an
example of each. From the lecture and your readings in Chapter 3, do you think the Laws of
Association were correct? Support your answer. - correct answer ✔✔Continguity(fundamental
principle of association) = Associations are formed between events that occur closely together
in time.
Frequency = More often 2 or more events occur together, the stronger the association
Often, behaviorists and cognitive psychologists attempt to explain the same phenomena
especially when it comes to learning and memory. Upon which points do they agree and
disagree and why? - correct answer ✔✔agree:
mental states aren't observable
introspection is not a good method
we should study behavior since it's directly observable
disagree:
on the importance of mental states and cognitive processes in explaining behavior and whether
or not they can be studied
Describe the CER procedure and the use of suppression ratios to measure fear and demonstrate
classical conditioning of this motivational state. - correct answer ✔✔Skinner's CER(Conditioned
Emotional Response) Procedure =
Train rats to bar press for food
Repeatedly pair a 3-minute TONE + SHOCK until the tone reliably elicits freezing
Allow rats to bar press for food again then introduce the 3 minute tone
Count the number of bar presses during the 3 minutes PRIOR to the TONE and for 3 minutes
DURING the TONE
Davis (1974) is an excellent example of the study of 2 forms of simple "non-associative"
conditioning. What were those forms of simple conditioning: name and define each. Draw
graph(s) and label axes depicting the results of this study. How would Groves & Thompson
(1970) interpret the results? - correct answer ✔✔habituation: decrease in the strength of a
response following repeated presentations *you learn that the object is of no actual threat*
, sensitization: increase in the strength of a response following repeated presentations of a single
stimulus
Describe, in detail, habituation and sensitization in Aplysia. What is the neurobiological
mechanism responsible for each? - correct answer ✔✔The neurobiological mechanism is the
Withdrawal Reflex
Habituation in Aplysia DECREASES the neurotransmitter Glutamate
Sensitization in Aplysia INCREASES the neurotransmitter Serotonin
We discussed in class and you read in your textbooks about Descartes' theory of behavior.
Discuss his theory making sure to include senses, muscles, nerves, and "animal spirits" in your
answer. - correct answer ✔✔Involuntary actions= reflexes = actions that are involuntary are
triggered by external events, controlled by the body.
Ex: burning your hand.
Voluntary actions= occur because of a person's conscious choice or free will, and are completely
independent of the outside world, controlled by the mind.
Ex: I am hungry so I am gonna get food.
What were the laws of association according to the British Associationists? Define and give an
example of each. From the lecture and your readings in Chapter 3, do you think the Laws of
Association were correct? Support your answer. - correct answer ✔✔Continguity(fundamental
principle of association) = Associations are formed between events that occur closely together
in time.
Frequency = More often 2 or more events occur together, the stronger the association
