Modification of reinforcement aftereffects and level of training.

Abstract

In the first of 2 experiments, 3 groups of 8 rats each were given 1 day of acquisition training in a runway under the same reinforcement schedule, RNNRNNRNNR. The groups were differentiated only on the basis of NT-length, which was regulated by placing Ss by hand in the baited goalbox during the intertrial interval following Trials 1, 4, 7 (Group N2-length), Trials 2, 5, 8 (Group N1-length), or Trials 3, 6, 9 (Group N0-length). on the day subsequent to acquisition training 10 N trials were administered. The second experiment was essentially a replication of the first, except it only included Groups N1 and N2, each of which contained 11 Ss. The finding that resistance to extinction was an increasing function of N-length was interpreted as supporting the modified aftereffects hypothesis and as presenting particular difficulties for some alternative views.