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Acquisition, Extinction, and Spontaneous Recovery of a Positively Reinforced Approach Response in the Earthworm, Lumbricus Terrestris

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Abstract

24 earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, were run in a straight alley for 70 acquisition and 10 extinction trials. A spontaneous recovery trial was given after either a 1-, 3-, or 6-hour post-extinction rest interval. A significant decrease in running times across acquisition was followed by a significant increase during extinction. Interquartile range variability also significantly decreased across acquisition. However, no spontaneous recovery occurred for any of the tested intervals. The differences in methodology between the present similar studies were discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Miami, P.O. Box 8185, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124, USA

    David B. Miller & Robert B. Tallarico

Authors
  1. David B. Miller
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  2. Robert B. Tallarico
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Additional information

This investigation was based on a thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the M.S. degree at the University of Miami. We wish to thank Deborah Schildkraut and Robert Slavin for their critical reading of the manuscript

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Miller, D.B., Tallarico, R.B. Acquisition, Extinction, and Spontaneous Recovery of a Positively Reinforced Approach Response in the Earthworm, Lumbricus Terrestris. Psychol Rec 22, 381–386 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394104

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394104

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