Effects of "anxiety-lessening" instructions and differential set development on the extinction of GSR.

Abstract

Results of previous investigators indicate a failure of "anxiety-lessening" instructions to extinguish a GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) conditioned under long (e.g., 6 sec.) CS-UCS interval conditions. This study observed the effects of such instruction on GSR extinction under conditions varying UCS intensity and number of reinforcements. Results: (a) GSR extinguished more rapidly and to a greater extent under conditions of anxiety-lessening instructions than under conditions of noninstruction, (b) the instruction effect was independent of number of reinforcements and UCS intensity, (c) increasing GSR magnitude was observed during extinction in Ss previously giving large disparity responses[long dash]even when administered anxiety-lessening instruction[long dash]emphasizing the importance of assessing S''s reaction to changed conditions as a determiner of subsequent responding.