Abstract
Six groups of rats (N =10) were trained to traverse a straight runway. Two of the groups were trained under regular consistent- and partial- reward procedures, i.e., RRRRR and RNRNR. Two additional groups were trained under the partial reward schedule above but, in addition, received ITR(r), i.e., RNrRNrR. One such group received ITR after a wait of 15 sec in the Intertrial interval box, another after a wait of 30 sec. The remaining two groups were trained under either 15-see or 30-sec partial delay of reward, i.e., RDRDR. The results of an extinction phase showed that ITR and delayed reward are not identical processes. ITR was found to decrease resistance to extinction only in the 30-sec wait condition.
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Note
This research was partially supported by Grant No. 8469 from the National Science Foundation to Southern Methodist University. The study was conducted according to the APA statement of “Principles for the care and use of animals,” June 26, 1968. Reprints may be obtained from Patrick E. Campbell, Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Tex. 75222.
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Overstreet, L.E., Campbell, P.E. Intertrial reward (ITR) and delay of reward: Effects on resistance to extinction. Psychon. Sci. 17, 303–305 (1969). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336543
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03336543