Abstract
Differential fixed-interval schedules were used to test the previously advanced motivational theory of extinction, which predicts positive or negative contrast effects in extinction as a function of acquisition experience. Rats trained on both FI 10-sec and FI 40-sec schedules of bar presentation and extinguished on FI 10 sec (all within a discrete-trial experimental design) were significantly more resistant to extinction than were control Ss both trained and extinguished on FI 10 sec. On the other hand, rats receiving mixed training and extinguished on FI 40 sec were significantly less resistant to extinction than were control Ss trained and extinguished on FI 40 sec. These findings are interpreted as lending additional support to the motivational theory of extinction.
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This research was supported in part by Grants GB5853 and GB8506 from the National Science Foundation and by Research Career Award 1-K-6-MH 22023 to the first author from the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Marx, M.H., Witter, D.W. Differential resistance to extinction as a function of fixed-interval contrast in training. Psychon Sci 22, 285–286 (1971). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335958
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335958