Module 2

Question 1

Dual-process theory of instrumental action

Answer 1

Idea that there are 2 action systems
1. goal directed system: top-down, flexible cognitive control system
2. habituation-based system: bottom-up, automatic, efficient reflexive system.

Question 2

Belief criterion in goal-directed behaviour

Answer 2

Performance is mediated by a representation of the causal relationship between the action and its outcome

Question 3

goal directed behaviour

Answer 3

= instrumental behaviour that is only performed when one has a certain goal and believes that this behaviour will increase the likelihood of reaching that goal.
Mediated by cognitive belief criterion & motivational desire criterion

Question 4

Instrumental behaviour

Answer 4

Behaviour that is learnt as a result of knowledge of an R-O relationship

Question 5

Habit based action

Answer 5

Instrumental behaviour that is triggered by contextual stimuli, independent of the current motivation for the outcome

Question 6

Thorndike‘s Law of Effect

Answer 6

Habits are formed when a behaviour is followed by reward (positive reinforcement) or by absence of an expected negative event
S-R association

Question 7

Which classical experimental paradigm is used to determine whether a certain behaviour is goal-directed or habitual?

Answer 7

The outcome-revaluation/devaluation test

Question 8

Phases of outcome-revaluation

Answer 8

1. instrumental learning
2. outcome devaluation
3. critical test

Question 9

Instrumental (operant) conditioning

Answer 9

Change in behaviour caused by a relationship between an instrumental response (R) and a motivationally relevant outcome (O; reinforcement or punishment)
Instrumental behaviour can be goal directed or habitual

Question 10

Habit theory of substance abuse

Answer 10

Idea that aberrantly strong habits (+ impaired cognitive control) mediate the transition from goal-directed, recreational substance use towards compulsive substance abuse)
-> habituation based system
-> goal-directed system

Question 11

Why do individuals with drug addiction continue to use drugs or alcohol despite being aware of the harmful consequences?

Answer 11

1. aberrantly strong cravings (and incentive sensitization)
2. aberrantly strong habits
3. impaired cognitive functions

Question 12

Mesolimbic pathway

Answer 12

Going from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens and responsible for craving through reward and salience processing

Question 13

Nigrostriatal pathway

Answer 13

Going from substantia nigra to the posterior putamen and responsible for habit-formation

Question 14

Mesocortical pathway

Answer 14

Going from VTA to PFC and responsible for cognitive control functions