APPETITIVE CLASSICAL AUTONOMIC CONDITIONING WITH SUBJECT-SELECTED COOL-PUFF UCS

Permitted 48 undergraduates to select the nozzle size (concentric outlets ranging 5-30 mm. in diameter) and intensity (8-40 psi) of a cool-puff UCS prior to and during differential conditioning. An increase in illumination and a tone served as CSs, while the GSR and digital blood volume pulse change (VPC) were the dependent autonomic variables. The effects of 3 heat levels (temperature: 80, 92.5, or 105- F.; relative humidity: 35%) were compared between sets of 16 Ss. Reliable differential conditioning was obtained in the GSR, though not in the VPC. Failure of the heat manipulation to affect either the conditioning or Ss' selections suggested new techniques for increasing the armipotence of the cool-puff technique. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.