Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
Behavioral contrast with timeout, blackout, or extinction as the negative condition
Abstract:
When either a timeout period (darkening the response key) or a blackout period (darkening both chamber and response key) was alternated with a stimulus associated with variable-interval reinforcement, behavioral contrast was obtained. Either peck contrast or maintained contrast occurred, depending on whether or not responding was evidenced during the negative condition. These results are contrary to recent accounts emphasizing the role of non-reinforced responding in the production of contrast, but are consistent with interpretations emphasizing the aversiveness of the negative condition.
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