Stimulus%20Sampling%20Theory

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Stimulus Sampling Theory
2
Agenda

• Stimulus Sampling Theory overview
• Analytic simulation models
• Estes Straughan, 1954
• Homeworks 1 2

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Stimulus Sampling Theory
Associated With A
?is
Stimulus Elements
Associated With B
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
Activated on Trial n
Stimulus S1
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is Prob of sampling Element i given Stimulus S
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
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Stimulus Sampling Theory
P(A) 1/4
Stimulus Elements
?is
?is
?is
?is
Stimulus S1
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
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Stimulus Sampling Theory
Feedback for A
Stimulus Elements
?is
?is
?is
?is
Stimulus S1
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
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Stimulus Sampling Theory
Stimulus Elements
?is
?is
?is
?is
Stimulus S2
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
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Stimulus Sampling Theory
P(A) 1/2
Stimulus Elements
?is
?is
?is
?is
Stimulus S2
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
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Stimulus Sampling Theory
Feedback for B
Stimulus Elements
?is
?is
?is
?is
Stimulus S2
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
?is
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An Example

• One of two stimuli, Red A or Blue B, appear.
• You are simply to learn when to press a button.

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An Example
.1
.3
.1
A
.3
P(Press) 0/3
.3
.1
.1
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An Example
.1
.3
.1
A
.3
Feedback Press
.3
.1
.1
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An Example
.3
.1
.2
B
.1
P(Press) 1/2
.3
.1
.3
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An Example
.3
.1
.2
B
.1
Feedback No Press
.3
.1
.3
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An Example
.3
.1
.2
B
.1
P(Press) 0/2
.3
.1
.3
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An Example
.3
.1
.2
B
.1
Feedback Press
.3
.1
.3
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A Modern Example
2 5 1 7 2 3 9 5 2 3 7 8
Phonology
Orthography
Semantics
Context
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What are Stimulus Elements?

• The concept of stimulus element is not defined
  in terms of observable events it has the status
  of a primitive term within the theory (p. 4).
• Relating experimental manipulations to a
  stimulus sampling parameter is by no means
  necessary for the derivation of testable
  predictions. To the extent that directly
  testable implications of the theory are supported
  by evidence, the concepts of stimulus sampling
  remain tenable (p. 4).

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Is Stimulus Sampling Theory a Model?

• The term stimulus sampling theory refers to a
  number of theories differing with respect to
  special assumptions and their mathematical
  expression, yet sharing a common approach to
  conceptual representation of the stimulus
  situation and the formation of associative
  connections, rather than to a single coherent set
  of assumptions formulated to apply to all the
  experimental procedures employed in the study of
  learning (p. 1).

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Analytic Simulation Models

• An analytic solution to a model is one in which
  an equation is used to describe the output of the
  model.
• A simulation result is produced by following a
  set of procedures.

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Analytic Simulation Models

1. Sample S from S on Trial n
2. P(A) Proportion A from S
3. Associate S with feedback
4. Go to 1

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Analytic Simulation Models

• In general, an analytic solution is preferred.
• Less prone to specific sequences.
• Can often make the same predictions as
  simulation.
• Faster.
• Especially in fitting programs.
• Easier.