The Relative Efficiency of Four Response-Elimination Techniques Following Variable-Ratio Reinforcement Training

Abstract

In the present experiment humans received training on a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule and were then shifted to one of 4 response-elimination procedures: extinction training, omission training, response cost, or omission training plus response cost. Results indicated that response cost, omission training plus response cost, and omission training eliminated responding significantly faster than did extinction training. In addition, response cost and omission training plus response cost reduced responding signi-ficandy more rapidly than did omission training, although the effects of the former 2 procedures were not significantly different.