Intertrial reinforcement and the partial reinforcement effect as a function of number of training trials

Frustration theory (Amsel, 1958) is unable to explain partial reinforcement effects following limited acquisition training. It is suggested that attempts to explain these findings may have implications for conditioning theories in general, and that more attention should be given to the early acquisition process.

Download Full-text

Resistance to Extinction: A Test of the Discrimination Hypothesis

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.1978.42.1.91 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 42 (1) ◽

pp. 91-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Richard A. Dubanoski ◽

Howard R. Weiner

Keyword(s):

Partial Reinforcement Effect ◽

Sequential Analysis ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Partial Reinforcement ◽

Initial Training ◽

Reinforcement Effect ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Continuous Reinforcement ◽

Resistance To Extinction ◽

Discrimination Hypothesis

To test the discrimination hypothesis of the partial reinforcement effect in extinction, partial or continuous reinforcement trials were interpolated between the initial training trials of partial or continuous reinforcement and the extinction period. 112 children from Grades 2 and 3 participated in one of four conditions. Children receiving two consecutive blocks of partial reinforcement showed the greatest resistance to extinction, children receiving two consecutive blocks of continuous reinforcement showed the weakest resistance, and those receiving partial reinforcement followed by continuous reinforcement or vice versa showed intermediate levels of resistance. Discrimination between training and extinction does not seem to be the critical factor involved in the partial reinforcement effect. The results were discussed in terms of a stimulus analyzer or a sequential analysis model.

Download Full-text

PARTIAL REINFORCEMENT EFFECT IN HUMAN LEARNING

The Japanese journal of psychology ◽

10.4992/jjpsy.48.25 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 25-32

Author(s):

MASATO ISHIDA ◽

SUMIKO NAKAMARU ◽

YOSHIMASA HABU ◽

KATSUTOSHI NAKATSUKA ◽

HIROSHI YOSHIOKA

Keyword(s):

Partial Reinforcement Effect ◽

Human Learning ◽

Partial Reinforcement ◽

Reinforcement Effect

Download Full-text

N-Length and Intertrial Reward

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.1970.26.3.1007 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 1007-1013 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dean L. Fixsen ◽

Susan Swick Mc Bee ◽

Patrick E. Campbell ◽

Charles M. Crumbaugh

Keyword(s):

Partial Reinforcement Effect ◽

Partial Reinforcement ◽

Partial Reward ◽

Reinforcement Effect ◽

Resistance To Extinction

2 experiments investigating the effects of intertrial reward on resistance to extinction following partial reward schedules containing N-lengths (number of consecutive nonrewards preceding a rewarded trial) of 1, 2, or 3. It was found that intertrial rewards completely eliminated the partial reinforcement effect for all N-lengths when run times were considered but had no effect on goal times. These data were discussed in terms of their relevance to the modified aftereffects hypothesis and previous investigations of intertrial reward.

Download Full-text