Direct and Derived Extinction of Avoidance Responses in Equivalence Classes

Abstract

The present study compared the direct and derived extinction of avoidance responses in equivalence classes. Two classes with four abstract figures in each class (Class 1: A1-B1-C1-D1; Class 2: A2-B2-C2-D2) were first established. An avoidance response that was trained in the presence of one stimulus (B1) was emitted under control of the other stimuli from the same class (C1 and D1). The subjects were then assigned to two different groups (Direct Extinction Group and Derived Extinction Group). Different extinction procedures were implemented for each group. In the Direct Extinction Group, B1 was presented in extinction. In the Derived Extinction Group, C1 was presented in extinction. Finally, the transfer of extinction was evaluated in the presence of the other stimuli from each class. In the Direct Extinction Group, avoidance responses were extinguished for 4 of the 16 participants in the presence of B1. In the Derived Extinction Group, avoidance responses were extinguished for 10 of the 16 participants in the presence of C1. The results indicated that derived extinction occurred more easily than direct extinction. Considering that avoidance responses were extinguished only for a few participants, future studies should implement more efficient procedures to establish avoidance extinction and then evaluate possible differences between derived and direct extinction in the transfer of extinction.