The Experimental Extinction: a Quantifiable and Predictable Process?

Abstract

Extinction of a response (instrumentally conditioned) usually is measured by the number of responses emitted until the rate stabilization near zero. The present work is an attempt to describe in a best way, the rate's decrement in extinction. For three groups of rats, submitted to different conditions of training and extinction, we have deduced extinction equations from empirical data. The equations showed to be a linear functions, where the origin ordinate were equivalent to resistance to extinction, and the slope equivalent to process speed (these were flatter in the case of

generalization decrement). Both are capable to discrimine significantly different groups (by analysis of variance). The integral of the functions (behind time zero and the time expended by each subject

to make a four or more minuts pause) is the same for al1 the groups. The integral are interpreted as definitory of the extinction process after certain number of reinforcements. The implications of the results into a more general theory of instrumental conditioning are discussed.