Abstract
The effects of fear extinction on the subsequent extinction of the instrumental avoidance response was investigated in the albino rat. Statistical analyses and graphic representation revealed that blocked Ss gave fewer responses during extinction than controls, this difference diminishing as a function of the number of extinction trials. Latency results were supportive. The authors concluded that blocking of the avoidance response in the presence of conditioned fear producing stimuli results in only a temporary suppression of the avoidance behavior.
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1. This study is based on data collected as part of the M. A. Thesis of the first author, under the supervision of the second author at Miami University. Oxford, Ohio. It was read in part at the Midwestern Psychological Association meeting, Chicago, 1967.
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Benline, T.A., Simmel, E.C. Effects of blocking of the avoidance response on the elimination of the conditioned fear response. Psychon Sci 8, 357–358 (1967). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332238
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332238