Abstract
The effects of partial reinforcement (PR) in both acquisition and extinction were investigated. Using attitudes as reinforcers in an instrumental conditioning situation, the PR group proved to be more,, resistant to extinction than a continuously reinforced (CRF) group. More importantly, the PR group showed faster asymptotic acquisition speeds than did the CRF group, indicating that the present situation is an analog to reward conditioning. Thus, similar attitudes may be seen as positive, not negative, reinforcers.
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This research was supported in part by a grant from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate College, University of Oklahoma. We wish to express our thanks to Deans John Ezell and Carl Riggs. Additionally, the authors wish to express their appreciation to Dr. R. F. Weiss for his suggestions for the design of this research.
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Lamberth, J., Gouaux, C. & Davis, J. Agreeing attitudinal statements as positive reinforcers in instrumental conditioning. Psychon Sci 29, 247–249 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332840
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332840