Effects of reinforcement schedules on rats' choice behavior in extinction.
The effects of reinforcement schedules on rats' choice behavior in extinction were studied. In a free-operant chamber equipped with two retractable bars, the experimental animals were trained to press the bars separately for a food reward. One bar delivered the reward on a continuous reinforcement (CRF) schedule, and the other delivered the reward on a partial reinforcement (PRF) schedule. Control animals earned the reward from both bars with the same reinforcement schedule, either a CRF or a PRF. When both bars were simultaneously available during extinction, the experimental animals responded more frequently to the CRF than to the PRF alternative, demonstrating a reversed within-subjects partial reinforcement extinction effect (PREE). A conventional between-subjects PREE was replicated in the control subjects. The results of this study were inconsistent with both Amsel's (1962, 1967) frustration hypothesis and Capaldi's (1966, 1967) sequential hypotheses.
Huang
I N
IN
Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 53190.
Krukar
J D
JD
Miles
S P
SP
D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D051381:Rats; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule