Investigating the Generalisation of Valence in Fear and Evaluative Conditioning

Abstract

This thesis investigated how valence generalises in fear conditioning and evaluative conditioning. Specifically, the research examined how changing conditional valence through extinction, reinstatement, and instructions can affect generalisation. Different manipulations had varied effects on generalisation, and inconsistent patterns of generalisation emerged across different measures and individuals. These dissociations suggest that generalisation is more complex than previously thought, and the findings highlight the need for further research to uncover the mechanisms underlying the generalisation of valence.