Preliminary Process Theory

Question 1

What is Preliminary Process Theory?

Answer 1

It attempts to give a coherent account of the observed fractionation of orienting reflex components.

Question 2

What are the three defining characteristics of the orienting response (OR)?

Answer 2

• Response decrements to repeated presentation of stimulus
• Response recovery to a changed stimulus (rules and fatigue and recovery processes
• Subsequent dishabituation to re-presentation of habituated stimulus

Question 3

Compare Sokolov’s Neuronal Model Theory and the Dual Process Theory.

Answer 3

Sokolov’s neuronal model

• Stimulus-repetition results in neuronal model
• Discrepancy between stimulus and model results in OR
• Amplified by tonic OR (arousal)

Groves and Thompson dual process theory

• Has two preliminary processes: H and S
• Interaction leads to the PPT

Question 4

What phenomenon is the OR based on?

Answer 4

Pavlov’s ‘What is that’ reflex. Behavioural orienting toward a novel, innocuous stimuli

Question 5

How did Sokolov expand the OR?

Answer 5

He added a range of physiological responses to behavioural orienting, defining the OR with GSC (galvanic skin response), EEG, alpha blocking, respiratory pause, cephalic vasodilation, peripheral vasoconstriction

Question 6

Who developed the unitary theory of OR and what is it?

Answer 6

Sokolov

Stimulus -> OR mechanism -> CVD response, EEG, GSR, PVC - all at one, unitary

Question 7

What did Barry find in his early exploration of Sokolov’s unitary OR?

Answer 7

Barry used different measures to explore the OR. Found fractionation with stimulus variation - not a unitary response. He then tried to conceptualise the response fractionation

Question 8

What were the findings regarding habituation, dishabituation, and intensity effect for:

• EDA
• Respiratory response
• Peripheral vasoconstriction
• HR deceleration

Answer 8

EDA: habituated, dishabituated, intensity effect found
RR: habituation, no dishabituation, no intensity effect
PVC: no habituation, intensity effect shown
HR deceleration: no habituation, no intensity effect

Question 9

What remained consistent between Sokolov’s unitary OR and Barry’s more recent studies?

Answer 9

The functionality of the OR - it is still a ‘what is it’ response

Question 10

List the preliminary processes that generates the OR?

Answer 10

Stimulus register -> Novelty register (RP, EEG) -> Magnitude register (PVC) ->OR

Question 11

Why can the neuronal model posted by Sokolov not be applied to the PPT?

Answer 11

The neuronal model only accommodates one measure (the OR). PPT has three preliminary processes and then the OR.

Question 12

How does a significant stimulus impact on the OR and habituation?

Answer 12

Sokolov - OR enhanced to significant stimuli with slower habituation
This concept was also later confirmed by Barry

Question 13

Explain Maltzman’s voluntary and involuntary distinction with regards to the OR.

Answer 13

Involuntary - simple reflexive OR to indifferent stimuli

Voluntary - processing enhanced by cortical set