Final answer:
The overexpectation effect is when a conditioned stimulus loses its ability to produce a conditioned response when paired with an unconditioned stimulus that has been previously overpredicted. The results are considered counterintuitive because it defies traditional understanding of conditioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The overexpectation effect refers to a phenomenon where the conditioned stimulus loses its ability to produce the conditioned response when it is paired with an unconditioned stimulus that has been previously overpredicted. In the example of tones and lights associated with food pellets, if a certain tone and light were consistently paired with food pellets, the animals would learn to associate the tone and light with the food and respond with anticipation. However, if the tone and light were then paired with a higher amount of food pellets, the animals would show a weaker conditioned response because their expectations had been exceeded.
The results of the overexpectation effect are considered counterintuitive because it defies the traditional understanding that conditioning strengthens the association between a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus. Instead, the overexpectation effect shows that the strength of the conditioned response can be influenced by the context in which the conditioned stimulus is presented.