Attribute × Treatment Interaction Analysis of the Processes Underlying Food Orientation in the Double Runway

Abstract

A two-step procedure, the first exploratory and the second confirmatory, was proposed for the study of attribute × treatment interactions (ATIs). ATI patterns resulting from the exploratory step suggested a number of hypotheses underlying food orientation in the double runway. The confirmatory step for testing those hypotheses was detailed. A second-order general running time factor pervaded all sessions. In addition, three first-order factors indicated that the processes underlying acquisition and extinction are symmetrical and perhaps activated by the relative strengths of hunger and exploratory disposition as they change over sessions. A fourth first-order factor seemed to measure emotional reactivity to thwarted expectancies and the ambiguity inherent in conditions of partial reinforcement.