Abstracts Psychology

Semantic conditioning of the galvanic skin response

by William Henry III Keller

This study investigated the processes under1ying semantic generalization; that is, processes by which a response conditioned to one word generalizes to another word. The present study explored generalization between concepts (superordinate words) and concept instances (subordinate words) in the context of models of subordinate-superordinate generalization put forward by Razran (1949), Mink (1957) and Brotsky (1964), The study also considered the effect on semantic conditioning and generalization of the orienting response, a non-specific response to any change in stimulation. Three subordinate-superordinate word pairs were used: OLDSMOBILE-CAR, HAMSTER-ANIMAL, HOCKEY-SPORT. Each of six experimental groups was given 10 repeated pairings of one of the words with a loud noise) sufficient to elicit a galvanic skin response. After conditioning, each group was given one presentation of the word related to the training word; subjects trained on OLDS were tested for generalization to CARS and those trained on CAR were tested on OLDS. Subjects were classified as high or low orienters on the basis of their response to the first loud noise. There was reliable semantic conditioning for all six words and high orienters conditioned better than low orienters. Reliable generalization occurred only to the three subordinate words. Orienting response was not related to degree of generalization but was related to ability to verbalize the experimental contingencies. The results lent support to Razran's model of semantic generalization and to Maltzman's (1968) contention that the orienting response is an important variable to consider in semantic conditioning.