The effect of random alternation of reinforcement on the acquisition and extinction of conditioned eyelid reactions.

Abstract

66 college students were conditioned to a light followed by a puff of air to the cornea. This training occurred under 3 differing conditions. Group I was given 100% reinforcement for 96 trials, the light always being followed by the puff, followed by 24 extinction trials. Group II was given 50% reinforcement for 96 trials, the light being followed by the puff on only one-half of the trials, followed by 24 extinction trials. Group III was given 100% reinforcement for 48 trials, with 48 interspersed rest intervals where non-reinforced trials occurred in Group II, followed by 24 extinction trials. There were no significant differences in the acquisition of conditioned responses under the 3 exptl. procedures; there were significant differences in the extinction of the responses between group II and groups I and III, the former responding at a significantly higher level than the latter two.