Partial (periodic) versus continuous reinforcement in resistance to extinction.

1950 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
William O. Jenkins ◽  
Marilyn K. Rigby
1978 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Dubanoski ◽  
Howard R. Weiner

To test the discrimination hypothesis of the partial reinforcement effect in extinction, partial or continuous reinforcement trials were interpolated between the initial training trials of partial or continuous reinforcement and the extinction period. 112 children from Grades 2 and 3 participated in one of four conditions. Children receiving two consecutive blocks of partial reinforcement showed the greatest resistance to extinction, children receiving two consecutive blocks of continuous reinforcement showed the weakest resistance, and those receiving partial reinforcement followed by continuous reinforcement or vice versa showed intermediate levels of resistance. Discrimination between training and extinction does not seem to be the critical factor involved in the partial reinforcement effect. The results were discussed in terms of a stimulus analyzer or a sequential analysis model.


1972 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom N. Tombaugh ◽  
Pierre St. Jean

The effects of five levels of training (210, 490, 1470, 2450, 3430 reinforced responses) on extinction performance were investigated. A free-operant bar-press paradigm was employed. A continuous reinforcement schedule was used with .12 ml. of 64% sucrose. Number of bar-presses and duration of time to reach a 1-min. non-response criterion showed that resistance to extinction was an increasing function of the number of reinforcements during training. However, the amount of time required to reach a 5-min. criterion showed the opposite relationship. It was concluded that different criteria reflected different patterns of extinction behavior and that the overtraining extinction effect (decreased resistance to extinction following extended training) could be demonstrated in a free-operant situation if the appropriate criteria were selected.


1972 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Prytula ◽  
Cecil C. Bridges ◽  
H. R. Anderson ◽  
Larry C. Hayes

4 groups ( ns = 10) of albino rats were given 40 acquisition and 25 extinction trials in a straight runway under one of the following conditions: (1) continuous reinforcement with an exhaust fan operative; (2) continuous reinforcement with exhaust fan operating but blocked from exhausting; (3) partial reinforcement with exhaust fan operating but blocked, and (4) partial reinforcement with exhaust fan operative. The results imply that exhausting odor(s) under a partial schedule increases running speeds during acquisition and resistance to extinction. The study points to important methodological implications for partial reinforcement research.


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