The effects of continuous versus partial reinforcement schedules on associative learning, memory and extinction in Lymnaea stagnalis.
A continuous schedule of reinforcement (CR) in an operant conditioning procedure results in the acquisition of associative learning and the formation of long-term memory. A 50 % partial reinforcement (PR) schedule does not result in learning. The sequence of PR-CR training has different and significant effects on memory retention and resistance to extinction. A CR/PR schedule results in a longer-lasting memory than a PR/CR schedule. Moreover, the memory produced by the CR/PR schedule is resistant to extinction training. In contrast, extinction occurs following the PR/CR schedule.
Sangha
Susan
S
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1.
McComb
Chloe
C
Scheibenstock
Andi
A
Johannes
Christine
C
Lukowiak
Ken
K
D000818:Animals; D001245:Association Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D005108:Extinction, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D008195:Lymnaea / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D013997:Time Factors