1. Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance
Job Aid 1
Definition:
The Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance
Ok, I know that this definition is a mouthful The warning stimulus becomes
and it really sounds like a lot of blah… a learned aversive stimulus,
through pairing with the original aversive stimulus,
blah…blah. But relax!
and the so-called avoidance response
is really reinforced by the contingent termination of
the warning stimulus,
not by the avoidance of the original aversive stimulus.
By breaking it down a little you can better understand what you are really saying on those
fantastic quizzes!
The warning stimulus becomes a learned aversive stimulus,
through pairing with the original aversive stimulus,
Means:
When a stimulus occurs before something aversive, it becomes aversive too. Thus, you
associate that stimulus, with the aversive situation.
and the so-called avoidance response
Means:
You respond to avoid the aversive situation. But…
is really reinforced by the contingent termination of the warning stimulus,
not by the avoidance of the original aversive stimulus.
Means:
What you are really avoiding is the stimulus that is associated with that aversive situation.
1
This job aid was created by Jamie Flynn as part of her honors thesis

2. Neutral Stimulus
Unconditioned Stimulus
Example: Pairing Procedure
Sight of gas gauge
Car Stalls
On empty
Behavior
Before After
Example: Escape contingency Sight of gas Put gas in No sight of
gauge on car gas Gauge
empty on empty
Behavior
Before After
Put gas in
Example: Avoidance contingency Car will stall Car won’t
car
in 5 sec stall in 5 sec
Before After
Escape
No sight of
Sight of the Behavior Gas gauge
Gas gauge on empty
Two- Factor Theory of Avoidance on empty
Put gas in
car
Car won’t
Car will stall stall in
in 5 sec 5 sec
Avoidance
Applicable Definitions:
*Escape Contingency
*Avoidance Contingency
*Value Altering Procedure
*Two-Factor Theory of Avoidance
*Warning Stimulus
*Pairing Procedure