Extinction Performance as a Function of N-R Transitions and Intertrial Reinforcement with Extended Partial Reinforcement Training

Abstract

3 groups of albino rats were given 96 acquisition trials in a runway. One group (C) was given consistent reinforcement, while the other 2 groups (PN, PR) received the same partial reinforcement pattern, RRNNRRNN, on each day. Following Trial 4 for Group PN and Trial 5 for Groups PR and C., Ss were given intertrial reinforcement. In extinction the groups were ordered PR, PN, C, with Group PR being most resistant to extinction. Taken in conjunction with the results of studies involving abbreviated training, the findings were interpreted as supporting the view that the same variables or processes influence extinction performance following both abbreviated and extended training. The results were further interpreted as supporting the modified aftereffects hypothesis.

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