This experiment analyzed the relative effectiveness of three different omission-training conditions (OT 5 sec., OT 20 sec., and gradual OT with a time-dependent criterion) in reducing a lever-press response following three different histories of reinforcement. 36 children between the ages of 4½ and 11 yr. were initially trained to press a lever according to a VR 35 schedule of reinforcement for 10 min. (Period I). Following acquisition, subjects were exposed to one of three conditions: DRL 10 sec. followed by OT, maintenance of VR followed by OT, or OT alone (Periods II and III). Over-all results indicated a significant reduction in response rate with the introduction or continuation of the various OT schedules. The DRL-OT treatment combination was significantly more effective in reducing response rate than the introduction of the same OT schedules following the lengthened VR history, but the use of the DRL-OT treatment combination was not significantly better than the OT condition of the same duration. OT was equally effective following both short (10 min.) and long (25 min.) VR histories. No significant differences were found in the relative effectiveness of the three types of OT schedules. These findings, however, may be related to the use of a time-dependent gradual OT schedule, as opposed to one in which the temporal values are increased as a function of the subjects' rate of response.
NEGATIVE AUTOMAINTENANCE OMISSION TRAINING IS EFFECTIVE