Cognitive Processes and the Multiple Response Phenomenon

Abstract

ABSTRACT The phenomenon of multiple autonomic responding is analyzed in terms of the component responses of the multiple response pattern (CS‐R, PRE‐US‐R, POST‐US‐R). CS‐R is interpreted as a function of two mechanisms: (1) an orienting response sensitive to temporal and event uncertainty, and (2) a component sensitive to stimulus sequence. Both components are subject to cognitive control, but also appear operative in cognitively deficient populations (e.g., the mentally retarded). PRE‐US‐R is interpreted as unique to language‐capable humans and manifested when perceptual‐verbal processes actually are involved in S 's interaction with the stimulus paradigm. It is, perhaps, an autonomic correlate of “awareness”. POST‐US‐R is interpreted as the earliest development of a neuronal model of stimulus sequence, but subject to enhancement or suppression via cognitive factors. When the human subject has full possession of his cognitive and symbolic processes and relates to the conditioning paradigm in terms of these processes, conditioning phenomena will be quite different than when these processes are absent or directed into nonparadigm‐related activities. The effect of rendering cognitive processes dysfunctional cannot be predicted from autonomic behavior mediated by cognitive processes operating naturally and without interference.