Extinction of a running response as a function of distance of block point from the goal.

Abstract

After acquisition of a running response in a straightaway, groups of rats were blocked at varying distances from the goal box. Trials to extinction varied directly with proximity of the block to the goal box, as did degree of excited activity. Animals extinguished inside the goal box required more extinction trials than did animals blocked outside the goal box. A "frustration-drive" hypothesis is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)