An extinction-induced increase in an aggressive response with humans.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Aggression Research

Background:

• Operant conditioning principles govern behavior.
• Aggression can be studied as a learned response.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the factors influencing aggressive responses in adolescents.
• Examine the role of reinforcement and extinction on aggressive behavior.

Main Methods:

• Nine adolescents (14-18 years) performed tasks under monetary reinforcement.
• Concurrent avoidance responses included button pressing (1.5 lb force) and punching (20 lb force).
• Monetary reinforcement was withdrawn (extinction) to observe behavioral changes.

Main Results:

• Button pressing was the preferred avoidance response.
• Punching behavior increased significantly in seven subjects during extinction.
• Button pressing rates remained unchanged during extinction.

Conclusions:

• The increase in punching during extinction is not solely due to it being a concurrent or non-preferred response.
• Aggressive responses may be specifically elicited by the withdrawal of reinforcement.
• Findings contribute to understanding the behavioral economics of aggression.