PS261 Study Guide - Interstimulus Interval, Conditioned Taste Aversion, Fiedler Contingency Model
Document Summary
George romanes ranks animal intelligence from humans down, using anecdotes of animals being smart. To be an instinct a behavior must: be species specific, have a signal stimulus that activates the behavior, must have fixed action patterns. Instincts studied by ethnologists are similar to reflexes, from receptor to nervous system, to muscles. Reflex arc: sensory neuron interneuron (decision) motor neuron (action) Dual process theory: different types of underlying neural processes are responsible for increases and decreases in response to stimuli (conflicting of habituation or sensitization). Domjan- learning: enduring change in behavior mechanisms as a result of prior experience with stimuli. Certain species are more apt to different types of learning (bats and taste aversion). Habituation: decrease reaction to stimulus over time (not due to fatigue or sensory adaptation) (stimulus response system) Sensitization: repeated stimulation increasing reaction (ex. something scary) (state system) Homeostasis: resting point, balance- behaviours are to maintain homeostasis (lizards basking in the sun to maintain body heat)
