Introducing a new stage for the model of hierarchical complexity: A new stage for reflex conditioning.

The model of hierarchical complexity (MHC) is known to have 16 orders so far. However, applying the model to explain the development of operant conditioning (original order 2) from respondent conditioning (original order 1) in non-human animals has led to the recent discovery of a new stage. Actions that make up respondent conditioning are more hierarchically complex than habituation, sensitization, and other simple actions or behavioral tendencies that were also included in original order 1. Thus, the original order 1 has now been separated into the new automatic order 1 and the new sensory or motor order 2. All the orders above the original order 1 also had their numbers incremented by one. Thus, there are now 17 orders of hierarchical complexity. This paper describes this new sequence of orders at the lowest end of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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