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Extinction-Induced Response Variability in Humans

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Abstract

Two experiments evaluated changes in response topography during extinction in human subjects. In Experiment 1, subjects fulfilled a sequence of DRL schedule parameters, responding on a computer keyboard to accumulate points on the monitor. Following the last DRL condition, an extinction condition was programmed during which points could no longer be accumulated. Response/reinforcer ratios increased consistently with each change in schedule parameter and interresponse time (IRT) distributions during extinction showed increased variability relative to preextinction baseline responding. In Experiment 2, subjects responded on a single DRL schedule value prior to being placed on extinction. Results paralleled those of Experiment 1, indicating greater response variability during extinction than during the DRL phase. The results are discussed within the context of a selectionist perspective on operant behavior, with extinction being identified as one ontogenic source of behavioral variability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Spalding University, 851 South Fourth St., Louisville, KY, 40203, USA

    David L. Morgan & Kelly Lee

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  1. David L. Morgan
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  2. Kelly Lee
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Morgan, D.L., Lee, K. Extinction-Induced Response Variability in Humans. Psychol Rec 46, 145–159 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395168

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