The reinstatement of operant behavior is reduced by the retrieval-extinction paradigm

Abstract

An experiment with rats was conducted in order to analyze the impact of the retrieval-extinction paradigm on the reinstatement of operant behaviors. In the first phase of the experiment, subjects were trained to press a lever for food. Then, in Phase 2, the Extinction Group received the typical extinction procedure, whereas the Retrieval Group was exposed to the retrieval-extinction paradigm (i.e., a brief extinction session, followed by a retention interval, and then a longer extinction session). Finally, all rats were tested twice. The first test was carried out immediately after the last extinction session, while the second test took place after a single session of re-exposure to the food. We found lower levels of reinstatement in the Retrieval Group.