Learning and resistance to extinction in external-self dual reinforcement as compared with those in external reinforcement

Abstract

Learning and resistance to extinction in external-self dual reinforcement (ESR) were compared with those in external reinforcement (ER). ΔESR (Δ: extinction process) was also compared with the corresponding process of other two conditions; 1) discontinuation of self reinforcement after externalself dual reinforcement (ΔSR), 2) discontinuation of external reinforcement following the dual reinforcement (ΔER). Undergraduates (n=58 in Experiment I, n=74 in Experiment II) were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions. Subjects were given association learning in Exp. I and memory task in Exp. II, respectively. Those who responded successfully were then shifted to extinction session for testing. Effects of ESR on learning were same as those of ER in the two experiments. Resistance to extinction in Exp. I was significantly higher for ΔSR and ΔESR as comapred with ΔER and *ER (extinction switched from external reinforcement). Resistance for ΔSR in Exp. II was significantly higher than for the remaining conditions. Based on these findings, high level of the resistance for ΔESR was discussed by attributing it to the internalization of ESR.