Attenuation of the Renewal Effect by Extinction in Multiple Contexts

Abstract

In two experiments, water-deprived rats were given a single pairing of a sucrose solution with LiCl in one context (Context 1). Some subjects then received three nonreinforced exposures to sucrose, that is, extinction, in Context 1. Other subjects received these three sucrose extinction trials in a different context (e.g., Context 2). A third group of subjects was included that received one extinction trial in each of three different contexts (Contexts 2, 3, and 4). Following this treatment, the rats were returned to Context 1 and were tested for their aversion to sucrose. Subjects given extinction trials only in one context other than the conditioning context (e.g., Context 2) yielded a greater aversion sucrose at test than subjects given extinction in Context 1, that is, a renewal effect occurred. Moreover, the groups given extinction in three different contexts exhibited attenuated renewal relative to subjects that received extinction trials only in Context 2. The discussion focuses on the possible mechanism underlying the renewal effect.