The Influence of the Initial Associative Strength on the Rescorla-Wagner Predictions: Relative Validity

The Rescorla-Wagner model’s asymptotic predictions are influenced by the initial associative strength under some conditions. This is the case for the experimental paradigm called relative validity. It is possible that stimuli used in the experiment have certain initial associative strength reflecting the subjects’ expectancies. Thus researchers must fully understand this influence. In this article, the effects of the initial values on the predictions of the model concerning relative validity are explored. Using a symbolic computation software, these effects were thoroughly revealed. unknown publishedVersion