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Abstract

The effects of contingent reward (R) and nonreward (N) and noncontingent reward (r) and nonreward (n) on extinction performance were investigated. Both R and N were delivered contingently on a runway running response while r and n were delivered by placing Ss directly into the goal box. In acquisition, the 32 albino rats were given 5 contingent trials and 4 noncontingent placements each day for 2 days. Group CC received the daily sequence RrRrRrRrR; Group CP, RnRrRnRrR; Group PC, RxNrRrNrR; and Group PP, RnNrRnNrR. 15 extinction trials were given with 5 trials per day. An analysis of variance applied to the mean log total times in extinction showed that Group CP was significantly more resistant to extinction than Group CC and that Group PP was more resistant to extinction than Group PC. Neither the difference between Groups CC and PC nor the difference between Group CP and PP approached significance. The results were discussed in terms of their relevance to the modified aftereffects hypothesis and dissonance theory.

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Contingent and Noncontingent Schedules of Continuous and Partial Reward in Rats

Abstract

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