Evaluative conditioning is a qualitatively distinct form of classical conditioning: a reply to Davey (1994).
Based on a critical review of the literature, Davey (1994) [Behaviour Research and Therapy, 32, 291-299] concludes that there is no sufficient evidence to support the theoretical position that evaluative conditioning is a qualitatively different form of classical conditioning. In the present manuscript, we will try to show that Davey's conclusion is biased by: (a) an overemphasis on what he believes to be problematic procedural aspects of previous evaluative conditioning studies; and (b) a selective reading of the available evidence. Finally, an attempt is made to characterize evaluative conditioning phenomena as the output of a Referential Learning System, which can be distinguished from an Expectancy Learning System.
Baeyens
F
F
Department of Psychology, University of Leuven, Belgium.
De Houwer
J
J
D001245:Association Learning; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D003213:Conditioning, Psychological; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D006801:Humans