Abstract
An experiment was performed investigating the effect of percentage reinforcement and degree of overlearning on reversal learning in rats. 168 female albino rats, 75-80 days old, were run in a black-white discrimination task according to a 2 X 4 orthogonal design. Acquisition was under 1 of 2 percentages of reinforcement—100% and 50%. Upon reaching criterion the groups were divided into 4 subgroups receiving 0, 70, 140, 'or 280 trials overlearning. Following overlearning, reversal learning ,was begun. Acquisition level was also controlled. Results showed that following 50% reinforcement, there is an inverse relationship between the number of overlearning trials and ease of reversal learning. Following 100% reinforcement, no effect due to overlearning was found. Reversal was easier following 100% than following 50% reinforcement. It was concluded from the reversal results that at least 2 factors are required to explain the partial reinforcement effect and the overlearning reversal effect.
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