Classical Aversive Conditioning As a Function of Reaction Latency

After integrating the data from numerous studies of conditioning as a function of CS-UCS interval, Jones (1962) proposed a theory of classical aversive conditioning. She found that there are two temporal relationships which are effective on conditioning, when the CS-UCS interval is varied. One is the interval between the CS and the UCR. The other is the interval between the CR and the UCS. The effect of these two intervals on the observed changes in response probability that constitute conditioning are ruled, respectively, by two principles. The first one is the principle of S-R contiguity. According to this principle, there is a positive increasing function of the temporal proximity of the CS and the UCR. It is assumed that the closer the time (irrespective of order) between the CS and UCR, the greater is the increment per trial in the capacity of the CS to evoke a CR. In the early stage of training, only the effect of this principle is operative.