Effects of intertrial reinforcement on resistance to extinction following extended training.

Abstract

3 groups of 15 Ss each were trained to run a straight alley with food reward. Two groups, partially reinforced experimental group (PR-X) and partially reinforced control group (PR-C), received 4 reinforced (R) trials, 4 nonreinforced (N) trials, and 2 intertrial reinforcements (ITR) daily for 12 days. PR-X received its ITRs after N trials preceding R trials. PR-C received ITRs following R trials. The continually reinforced group (CR) was trained with consistent reinforcement. PR-X and PR-C did not differ in extinction performance and both were more resistant to extinction than CR. The results are discussed in terms of the Hull-Sheffield hypothesis as revised by Capaldi and the frustration formulation of Amsel and Spence.