Abstract
Three experiments investigated the effects of magnitude and schedule of reinforcement and level of training in instrumental escape learning at a 24-h intertriai interval. In Experiment I, two magnitudes of reinforcement were factorially combined with two schedules of reinforcement (CRF and PRF). Under PRF, large reward produced greater resistance to extinction than did small reward, while the reverse was true under CRF. In Experiment II, two levels of acquisition training were factorially combined with three schedules of reinforcement (CRF, single-alternation, and nonalternated PRF). Patterned running was observed late in acquisition in the single-alternation extended-training condition. Resistance to extinction was greater for the nonalternated PRF condition than for the single-alternation condition following extended acquisition, and the reverse was true following limited acquisition. Experiment III confirmed the extinction findings of Experiment II. The results of all three experiments supported an analysis of escape learning at spaced trials in terms of Capaldi’s (1967) sequential theory.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Amsel, A. Partial reinforcement effects on vigor and persistence: Advances in frustration theory derived from a variety of with in-subject experiments. In K. W. Spence & J. T. Spence (Eds.)The psychology of learning and motivation (Vol. 1). New York: Academic Press, 1967.
Anderson, N. G. Comparison of different populations: Resistance to extinction and transfer.Psychological Review, 1963,70, 162–179.
Cap Aldi, E. J. A sequential hypothesis of instrumental learning. In K. W. Spence & J. T. Spence (Eds.),The psychology of learning and motivation (Vol. 1). New York: Academic Press, 1967.
Capaldi, E. J. Memory and learning: A sequential viewpoint. In W. K. Honig & P. H. R. James (Eds.),Animal memory, New York: Academic Press, 1971.
Capaldi, E. J. Partial reward either following or preceding consistent reward: A case of reinforcement level.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1974,102, 954–962.
Capaldi, E. J., &Freese, M. R. Alley section effects of magnitude of partial reward after extensive acquisition training.Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 1975,5, 294–296.
Capaldi, E. J., &Levy, K. J. Stimulus control of punished reactions: Sequence of punishment trials and magnitude of reinforcement.Learning and Motivation, 1972,3, 1–19.
Capaldi, E. J., &Lynch, D. Patterning at 24-hour ITI: Resolution of a discrepancy more apparent than real.Psychonomic Science, 1966,6, 229–230.
Dyck, D. G., Mellgren, R. L., &Nation, I. R. Punishment of appetitively reinforced instrumental behavior: Factors affecting response persistence.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1974,102, 125–132.
Franchina, J. J. Intertrial intervals and shock schedules in escape training.Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1969,67, 510–515.
Gonzales, R. C., &Bitterman, M. E. Spaced-trials partial reinforcement effects as a function of contrast.Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1969,67, 510–515.
Hulse, S. H. Amount and percentage of reinforcement and duration of goal confinement in conditioning and extinction.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1958,56, 48–57.
Jobe, J. B., &Mellgren, R. L. Successive nonreinforcements (N-length) and resistance to extinction at spaced trials.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1974,103, 652–657.
Mellgren, R. L., Nation, J. R., &Wrather, D. M. Magnitude of negative reinforcement and resistance to extinction.Learning and Motivation, 1975,6, 253–263.
Mellgren, R. L., &Seybert, J. A. Resistance to extinction at spaced trials using the within-subject procedure.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1973,100, 151–157.
Robbins, D. Partial reinforcement: A selective review of the alleyway literature since 1960.Psychological Bulletin, 1971,76, 415–431.
Rudy, J. W. Sequential variables as determiners of the rat’s discrimination of reinforcement events: Effects on extinction performance.Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1971,77, 476–481.
Seybert, J. A., Mellgren, R. L., &Jobe, J. B. Sequential effects on resistance to extinction at widely spaced trials.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1973,101, 151–154.
Seybert, I. A., Mellgren, R. L., Jobe, J. B., &Eckert, E. Sequential effects in discrete trials instrumental escape conditioning.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1974,102, 473–483.
Surridge, C. T., &Amsel, A. Acquisition and extinction under single alternation and random partial-reinforcement conditions with a 24-hour intertriai interval.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1966,72, 361–368.
Wroten, J. D., Campbell, P. E., &Cleveland, C. T. Response persistence following intermittent punishment and partial reinforcement: Effects of trial sequence.Learning and Motivation, 1974,5, 118–127.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Seybert, J.A., Rigby, R.L. & Mellgren, R.L. Instrumental escape learning in the rat at 24-hour intertriai interval: Effects of magnitude and schedule of reinforcement. Animal Learning & Behavior 4, 322–328 (1976). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03214058
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03214058