Introversion-extraversion and the verbal conditioning and generalization of meaning responses to nonsense syllables in normal and alcoholic subjects.

Abstract

No adequate studies have extended Eysenck's theories to the area of classical verbal conditioning. Eyeblink, GSR and operant verbal conditioning studies have yielded equivocal results. In the present study Osgood's semantic differential technique was employed to establish classical conditioning and generalization of meaning responses to contiguously presented nonsense syllables. Neither conditioning nor generalization measures were consistently related either to extraversion or neuroticism as measured by the Maudsley Personality Inventory. Alcoholics conditioned as well as normals. Verbal fluency, intelligence and vocabulary measures were also unrelated either to conditioning or personality measures in any systematic fashion. The implications of this study are discussed briefly with respect to (1) the investigation of the relationships between conditioning and personality variables; (2) the premature incorporation of any presumed relationships between verbal conditioning and personality into any comprehensive theory of behaviour or behaviour modification.