Contrasting predictions of extended comparator hypothesis and acquisition-focused models of learning concerning retrospective revaluation

Three conditioned suppression experiments with rats investigated contrasting predictions made by the extended comparator hypothesis and acquisition-focused models of learning, specifically, modified SOP and the revised Rescorla–Wagner model, concerning retrospective revaluation. Two target cues (X and Y) were partially reinforced using a stimulus relative validity design (i.e., AX–Outcome; BX–No outcome; CY–Outcome; DY–No outcome), and subsequently one of the companion cues for each target was extinguished in compound (BC–No outcome). In Experiment 1, which used spaced trials for relative validity training, greater suppression was observed to target cue Y for which the excitatory companion cue had been extinguished in relation to target cue X for which the nonexcitatory companion cue had been extinguished. Experiment 2 replicated these results in a sensory preconditioning preparation. Experiment 3 massed the trials during relative validity training, and the opposite pattern of data was observed. The results are consistent with the predictions of the extended comparator hypothesis. Furthermore, this set of experiments is unique in being able to differentiate between these models without invoking higher-order comparator processes

An experimental investigation of psychological effects of short-term contact with a large dog: Focusing on mood and positive affect associated with exercises.

The present study experimentally examined the psychological effects of brief dog therapy. In the experiment, the effect of a short-term contact with a large therapy dog was compared with that of a simple break for the same amount of time. Measurement with several indices were administered before and after these two conditions. Two psychological scales, Mood Inventory （Sakano et al., 1994） and Waseda Affect Scale of Exercise and Durable Activity （WASEDA; Arai et al., 2003） were used to measure temporary mood and positive affect associated with exercise, respectively. In addition, salivary amylase was measured as a physiological index of stress responses. The results of salivary amylase did not show any clear trend. Regarding psychological measures, there were improvements in the therapy dog condition over the control condition in three factors included in the Mood Inventory, “refreshing mood”, “Fatigue”, and “anxious mood”. Improvement in the therapy dog condition were also observed in two factors included in WASEDA, “positive engagement” and “tranquility”. These results indicate that brief interaction with a large dog has a variety of effects: attenuation of some negative mood states and enhancement of some positive emotions.専攻(漆原): 学習心理学、アニマルセラピー 専攻(伊藤): アニマルセラピーdepartmental bulletin pape

An Experimental Investigation of Fatigue-reduction Effects Caused by Short-term Contact with a Large Dog: Healing Effects of Interaction with a Therapy Dog.

In this study, we experimentally examined fatigue-reduction effects of short-time interaction with a large dog. In one (dog-therapy) condition, participants interacted with a large dog for a short period of time. In another (control) condition, they took a break for the same amount of time. Before and after these conditions, the degree of fatigue was measured using three indices, critical fusion frequency of flicker, visual analogue scale (VAS) on subjective fatigue (Japanese Society of Fatigue Science, 2017), and “Jikaku-Sho Shirabe”, a self-administered 25-item scale designed to measure the degree of subjective fatigue in terms of five different aspects (Itani, 2002; Sakai, 2002; Tachi, 2002). With respect to the critical flicker frequency, similar levels of fatigue reduction were observed in both conditions. Concerning the VAS scale, decrement of fatigue was observed only in the dog-therapy condition. On the results of the five aspects in “Jikaku-Sho Shirabe”, decrease in fatigue was observed in some aspects, while increase rather than decrease was observed in the other in the control condition. Meanwhile, tendency of fatigue-reduction was observed consistently in all aspects in the dog-therapy condition, all of which were greater than those in the control condition. The results suggest that fatigue-reduction effect of dog therapy is greater than and qualitatively different from that of a simple break.専攻(漆原): 学習心理学、アニマルセラピーdepartmental bulletin pape