AMOUNT AND SEQUENCE OF REWARD IN PARTIAL AND CONTINUOUS REINFORCEMENT

Examined the effect of magnitude of reinforcement upon resistance to extinction (Rn) using simple partial-reward (PR) sequences (Exp. I), or simple continuous- or varied-reward sequences (Exp. II), using rats in a straight alley. 48 male albino Holtzman rats were used in each experiment. Extinction tests replicated the typical interaction between reward magnitude and reward schedule (large vs. small, reward increases Rn in PR groups but decreases Rn in 100% groups) using these elementary training sequences. However, the principles underlying this interaction depended heavily on the specific sequence involved, over and above reward amount. The sequential hypothesis of Capaldi was consistent with the extinction results, whereas interpretation from the frustration of dissonance theory was less satisfactory. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.