The Rescorla-Wagner Formula (alpha and beta version) calculator computes the change in strength on a single trial of the association between the conditioned stimuli and the unconditioned stimuli.
INSTRUCTIONS: Enter the following:
- (α) Salience of conditioned stimuli.
- (β) Rate parameter for unconditioned stimuli.
- (λ) Maximum conditioning possible for unconditioned stimuli.
- (V) Total associative strength of all stimuli present.
Change in Strength (ΔV): The calculator returns the value for change in the strength (ΔV), on a single trial, of the associate between the conditioned stimuli and the unconditioned stimuli.
Note: The parameters α and β are bound by zero and one. Therefore they can not be less than zero or greater than one.
Related Calculators
- Rescoria-Wagner Formula (k version) for stimuli strength
- Rescorla-Wagner Formula (alpha and beta version), CLICK HERE.
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The Math / Science
The Rescorla-Wagner formula is:
ΔV=α⋅β⋅(λ−V)
where:
- ΔV = Change in strength
- α = Salience for the Conditional Stimulus
- β = Rate parameter for the Unconditional Stimulus
- λ = Maximum possible associated strength for all the Conditional Stimulus
- V = Current associated strength
The Rescorla–Wagner model describes the changing strength of the relationship between a conditional stimulus (CS) and an unconditional stimulus (US) over a series of trials where the stimuli are paired. In the model, λ represents the actual occurrence of the US and V is the expectation based on the existing associations between the US and the stimuli that precede it. Consequently the difference between λ and V represents the amount of surprise an organism presumably experiences when the US occurs on a particular trial. The constants α and β can vary from 0 to 1 and represent the salience of the CS and US, respectively. The product of these constants represents the rate at which learning can occur. ΔV is the amount of change in associative strength that occurs on a trial. This calculator reports the value of ΔV for a particular trial. Adding ΔV to the starting value of ΔV gives the new value of V at the end of the trial.
Source
- Rescorla, R. A., & Wagner, A. R. (1972). A theory of Pavlovian conditioning: Variations in the effectiveness of reinforcement and nonreinforcement. In A. H. Black & W. F. Prokasy (Eds.), Classical conditioning II: Current research and theory (pp. 64-99). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. ==
See also
There is additional information presented on the Rescorla-Wagner Model HERE.
A simplified version of the Rescorla-Wagner Model is provided HERE.
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