| Abstract: | The associative structures underlying goal-directed behavior are analyzed using techniques that are well-developed for studying Pavlovian conditioning. The analysis helps identify the roles of the stimulus, response, and reinforcer in instrumental learning. The results point to the basic importance of an association between a response and its reinforcer in the acquisition and maintenance of instrumental behavior. They also suggest that the stimulus may play a variety of roles through its association with the response and the reinforcer and through its setting the occasion on which the response is associated with the reinforcer. This research illustrates the use of Pavlovian techniques for the exploration of other forms of learning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
