Kamin effect

a phenomenon of stimulus control in which previous learning restricts or prevents conditioning of a response to a new stimulus. For example, a light paired with an unconditioned stimulus for several trials results in some conditioning for the light. Adding a tone at this point, to form a compound stimulus, would result in the tone being less effective as an elicitor than it would if it had been present from the beginning. Also called Kamin blocking effect. [Leon J. Kamin (1927– ), U.S. psychologist]

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Psychology term of the day

September 8th 2024

speciesism

n. discriminatory, prejudicial, or exploitative practices against nonhuman animals, often on the basis of an assumption of human superiority. See also animal rights. —speciesist n., adj.