Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
Contingency discrimination training and resurgence: Effects of nonzero alternative reinforcement rates during "off"
Timothy A Shahan1, Joshua B Hiltz1, Matias Avellaneda1
1Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA.
Abstract:
Resurgence is an increase in a previously reduced target behavior with worsening conditions for a more recently reinforced alternative behavior. Alternating sessions in which alternative reinforcement is available (i.e., "on" sessions) versus extinction (i.e., "off" sessions) during treatment (i.e., contingency discrimination training [CDT]) reduces resurgence. This experiment examined whether CDT could mitigate resurgence without complete extinction during "off" sessions. Target lever pressing of rats was reinforced in baseline and then extinguished during treatment. In treatment, all groups experienced "on" sessions with high-rate alternative reinforcement delivered on a variable-interval (VI) 10-s schedule. "Off" sessions arranged either extinction, the same (VI 10 s), or lower rates of alternative reinforcement (VI 12.5 s, VI 16.6 s, VI 25 s, or VI 50 s). CDT eliminated resurgence only when extinction was arranged during "off" sessions, but resurgence was reduced when the VI 50 s was arranged. Resurgence as choice in context theory described the data well, assuming that the biasing effects of discriminating the relevant contingencies are a function of the ratio of alternative reinforcement rates for "off" versus "on" sessions. These findings suggest CDT can reduce resurgence without requiring extinction of the alternative response if alternating reinforcement rates differ enough across sessions.
Related Concept Videos
Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Reinforcement Schedules
Once a behavior is learned,...
Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement in operant conditioning can be positive or negative, both of which serve to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Positive...
Operant Conditioning Intervention
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...

