Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
1967
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Experimental Psychology
Committee Chair
Thomas B. Collins, Jr.
Second Committee Member
Marion D. Harless
Third Committee Member
Eldon E. Jacobsen
Abstract
The problem concerned the resistance to extinction of an alley running response as a function of various combinations of reward sizes (l or 10 pellets) and schedules of reinforcement (50 or 100%). Three experimental phases were used (acquisition, shift of reward, and extinction). Three measures were taken in the alley (start, alley, and goal speed). Animals trained under partial reinforcement (PRF) showed no significant differences in acquisition running speed over animals trained on continuous reinforcement (CRF). Depression effects (decreases in running speed) were observed for both CRF and PRF trained animals during the shift phase. Overall tests between PRF and CRF groups revealed no significant differences in number of trials to extinction. The results were discussed in terms of operant conditioning theory. Ideas for further research involving shift periods of varying lengths were offered.
Recommended Citation
Boylan, Richard James, "The Effect of Shifts in Reward Magnitude and Changes of Schedule of Reinforcement on Resistance to Extinction" (1967). All Master's Theses. 641.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/641
Language
English