Abstract
The purposes of this study were to observe the performances of rats on partial reinforcement schedule and test DEUTSCH'S theory that rate of extinction after self-stimulation is a function of the decay of an electrically induced drive state.
Each six Ss with hypothalamic electrodes was allowed to stimulate himself for 6 days. For three Ss (experimental group) the schedule was FR=1 : 3, while for the other three Ss (control group) it was 100% reinforcement schedule. The extinction scores of both groups were recorded for one hour on three successive days.
The results were as follows :
1. In the process of acquisition, experimental group partially reinforced responded more poorly than control group continuously reinforced.
2. Partial reinfocement led to significantly higher extinction scores than continuous reinforcement.
3. In the process of extinction, spontaneous recovery of both groups could be observed.
Most of these results are contrary to the predictions offered by DEUTSCH and also suggest that extinction after self-stimulation is not qualitatively different from that of orthodox conditioning.
