The Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance states that:
1) A warning stimulus becomes a learned aversive stimulus through pairing with the original aversive stimulus.
2) The avoidance response is reinforced by the termination of the warning stimulus, not by avoiding the original aversive stimulus.
3) People are avoiding the stimulus associated with the aversive situation, not the aversive situation itself.
1. Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance
Job Aid 1
Definition:
The Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance
Ok, I know that this definition is a mouthful The warning stimulus becomes
and it really sounds like a lot of blah… a learned aversive stimulus,
through pairing with the original aversive stimulus,
blah…blah. But relax!
and the so-called avoidance response
is really reinforced by the contingent termination of
the warning stimulus,
not by the avoidance of the original aversive stimulus.
By breaking it down a little you can better understand what you are really saying on those
fantastic quizzes!
The warning stimulus becomes a learned aversive stimulus,
through pairing with the original aversive stimulus,
Means:
When a stimulus occurs before something aversive, it becomes aversive too. Thus, you
associate that stimulus, with the aversive situation.
and the so-called avoidance response
Means:
You respond to avoid the aversive situation. But…
is really reinforced by the contingent termination of the warning stimulus,
not by the avoidance of the original aversive stimulus.
Means:
What you are really avoiding is the stimulus that is associated with that aversive situation.
1
This job aid was created by Jamie Flynn as part of her honors thesis
2. Neutral Stimulus
Unconditioned Stimulus
Example: Pairing Procedure
Sight of gas gauge
Car Stalls
On empty
Behavior
Before After
Example: Escape contingency Sight of gas Put gas in No sight of
gauge on car gas Gauge
empty on empty
Behavior
Before After
Put gas in
Example: Avoidance contingency Car will stall Car won’t
car
in 5 sec stall in 5 sec
Before After
Escape
No sight of
Sight of the Behavior Gas gauge
Gas gauge on empty
Two- Factor Theory of Avoidance on empty
Put gas in
car
Car won’t
Car will stall stall in
in 5 sec 5 sec
Avoidance
Applicable Definitions:
*Escape Contingency
*Avoidance Contingency
*Value Altering Procedure
*Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance
*Warning Stimulus
*Pairing Procedure