Abstract
In a prior study (Gutman, Sutterer & Brush, 1975), 53 sessions of multiple variable-interval variable-interval (mult VI VI) baseline training produced weak positive contrast effects in the multiple extinction variable- interval (mult EXT VI) condition of Phase 2. Two rats from that study received additional training in the present study and showed stronger positive contrast effects in the mult EXT VI condition of Phase 4. In addition, two naive rats received 8 sessions of mult EXT VI in Phase 2 interpolated within 53 sessions of mult VI VI in Phases 1 and 3 and showed strong positive contrast effects in the mult EXT VI condition of Phase 4; the rats reproduced these effects in the mult EXT VI conditions of Phases 6, 8, and 10. Thus, extended baseline training seems to retard the subsequent positive contrast effect, but this retardation appears to be both reversible and preventable.
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This research was conducted at Syracuse University, and the manuscript was prepared at the University of Colorado. Preparation of the manuscript was supported by NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowship #NIH 5 F32 MH05061, awarded to the author. I would like to thank J. R. Sutterer, F. R. Brush and D. R. Thomas for their help at various stages.
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Gutman, A. The Effect of Extended Baseline Training on Positive Behavioral Contrast: Reversible and Preventable Retardation. Psychol Rec 28, 399–404 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394552
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394552