Evaluative conditioning is a qualitatively distinct form of classical conditioning: a reply to Davey (1994)

Abstract

Based on a critical review of the literature, Davey (1994) [Behaviour Research and Therapy, 32, 291-299] concludes that there is no sufficient evidence to support the theoretical position that evaluative conditioning is a qualitatively different form of classical conditioning. In the present manuscript, we will try to show that Davey's conclusion is biased by: (a) an overemphasis on what he believes to be problematic procedural aspects of previous evaluative conditioning studies; and (b) a selective reading of the available evidence. Finally, an attempt is made to characterize evaluative conditioning phenomena as the output of a Referential Learning System, which can be distinguished from an Expectancy Learning System.