An Image Theory of Classical Conditioning

Abstract

It is proposed that the CR results from a CS-produced image of the UCS. This hypothesis makes sense, e.g., for salivary conditioning, the CS produces an image of food and salivation therefore occurs, just as salivation occurs when we imagine food. The theory is supported by the finding that image-produced responses are similar to the ones produced by real stimuli, evidence which has been neglected by learning theorists. The proposed explanations of many of the basic findings in classical conditioning are described. The theory is feasible neurophysiologically and can be tested with the use of the hypothesis that a positive association exists between vividness of imagery and image-produced response strength. Its relation to other theories of classical conditioning is discussed.