title: Covariation bias in the affect-modulated startle paradigm.
abstract: A covariation bias (CB) reflects the overestimation of an objectively random covariation between fear-relevant picture stimuli (e.g., spiders) and aversive consequences (e.g., electric shocks). The affect-modulated startle (AMS) paradigm is similar to it because aversive reflex probes are delivered in the context of unpleasant, neutral or pleasant picture stimuli. The present study explored if a covariation bias is present in the affect-modulated startle paradigm. There was a covariation bias for unpleasant and pleasant compared to neutral pictures probably due to differences in arousal. Startle reflexes were modulated by picture valence. No correlation between a covariation bias index and the startle response modulation was found. It is concluded that both phenomena are mediated by different underlying mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Würzburg, Germany. pauli@psychologie.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pauli
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Diedrich
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D015982:Bias; D004576:Electromyography; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011897:Random Allocation; D013216:Reflex, Startle