Value-driven interference in visual search: Attention to reward-associated distractors.

We used an implicit learning paradigm to examine the acquisition of color-reward associations when colors were task-irrelevant and attention to color was detrimental to performance. Our task required a manual classification response to a shape target and a correct response was rewarded with either 1 or 10 cent. The amount of reward was contingent on the color of a simultaneous color distractor and different colors were associated with low reward (always 1 Cent), partial reward (randomly either 1 or 10 Cent), and high reward (always 10 Cent). Attention to color was nonstrategic for maximizing reward because it interfered with the response to the target. We examined the potential of reward-associated colors to capture and hold overt attention automatically. Reward expectancy increased with the average amount of associated reward (low < partial < high). Reward uncertainty was highest for the partially reward distractor color (low < partial > high). Results revealed that capture frequency was linked to reward expectancy, while capture duration additionally seemed to be influenced by uncertainty, complementing previous findings of such a dissociation in appetitive and aversive learning (Koenig, Kadel, Uengoer, Schubö, & Lachnit, 2017; Koenig, Uengoer, & Lachnit, 2017).

The role of intolerance of uncertainty in the acquisition and extinction of reward

Individuals, who score high in self-reported intolerance of uncertainty (IU), tend to find uncertainty anxiety-provoking. IU has been reliably associated with disrupted threat extinction. However, it remains unclear whether IU would be related to disrupted extinction to other arousing stimuli that are not threatening (i.e., rewarding). We addressed this question by conducting a reward associative learning task with acquisition and extinction training phases (n = 58). Throughout the associative learning task, we recorded valence ratings (i.e. liking), skin conductance response (SCR) (i.e. sweating), and corrugator supercilii activity (i.e. brow muscle indicative or negative and positive affect) to learned reward and neutral cues. During acquisition training with partial reward reinforcement, higher IU was associated with greater corrugator supercilii activity to neutral compared to reward cues. IU was not related to valence ratings or SCR’s during the acquisition or extinction training phases. These preliminary results suggest that IU-related deficits during extinction may be limited to situations with threat. The findings further our conceptual understanding of IU’s role in the associative learning and extinction of reward, and in relation to the processing of threat and reward more generally.

EFFECT OF REWARD, PUNISHMENT AND COMMUNICATION ON THE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE OF THE FASHION DIVISION AT PT. MITRA ADI PERKASA TBK SURABAYA

This study aims to determine the effect of simultaneous and partial reward, punishment and communication on the performance of fashion division employees at PT. Mitra Adi Perkasa Tbk Surabaya. This research is quantitative research. Population and sample based on questionnaire distribution to the performance of fashion division employees at PT. Mitra Adi Perkasa Tbk Surabaya was taken as many as 75 respondents. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation and questionnaires. The data analysis used is reliability test, validity test, classic assumption test and multiple linear analysis test. The results of the study simultaneously and partially reward, punishment and communication have a significant effect on the performance of fashion division employees at PT. Mitra Adi Perkasa Tbk Surabaya because of its significance <0.005

Pavlovian Counterconditioning is Unchanged by Chlordiazepoxide or by Septal Lesions

Two experiments were performed to test whether the minor tranquillizer chlordiaz-epoxide or septal lesions could interfere with Pavlovian counterconditioning. Rats were first trained to bar-press for food on a random interval schedule on which was superimposed the presentation of a light which predicted delivery of a shock. This training continued until all animals were showing stable suppression of responding to the light. Separate groups were then presented, while the manipulandum was retracted from the box, with either a shock paired with the delivery of food or shock and food delivery in a random relationship with one another. This type of intrusion period alternated with the presentation of the light and shock. Pavlovian counterconditioning developed, as shown by progressively less response suppression in the paired groups compared to the random groups. This Pavlovian counterconditioning was in no way reduced by either chlordiazepoxide (5 mg/kg) or by medial or lateral septal lesions. It is argued that these results rule out Pavlovian counterconditioning as a process which is affected by minor tranquillizers or by septal lesions when they interfere with the behavioural tolerance observed after partial punishment or partial reward schedules.

Persistent Behaviour in Extinction after Partial Deprivation in Training

Four groups of rats were trained to run an alleyway with one trial per day. Two groups were always deprived when trained while the other two received a partial deprivation schedule. One group of each pair received a continuous reward in the goal box while the other received partial reward. A partial reinforcement effect was found during extinction. The partially deprived groups also showed persistence in extinction. This result extends parallels between the effects of satiation and nonreward upon behaviour.