The latency of startle reflex potentiation may shed light on the aware and\r\nunaware processes underlying associative learning, especially associative fear learning. We\r\nreview research suggesting that single-cue delay classical conditioning is independent of\r\nawareness of the contingency between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the\r\nunconditioned stimulus (US). Moreover, we discuss research that argues that conditioning\r\nindependent of awareness has not been proven. Subsequently, three studies from our lab\r\nare presented that have investigated the role of awareness in classical conditioning, by\r\nmeasuring the minimum latency from CS onset to observed changes in reflexive behavior.\r\nIn sum, research using this method shows that startle is potentiated 30 to 100 ms after CS\r\nonset following delay conditioning. Following trace fear conditioning, startle is potentiated\r\n1500 ms after CS presentation. These results indicate that the process underlying delay\r\nconditioned responding is independent of awareness, and that trace fear conditioned\r\nresponding is dependent on awareness. Finally, this method of investigating the role of\r\nawareness is discussed and future research possibilities are proposed.
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