In my new textbook in behavior modification, Miltenberger (2001)
discusses the fact that extinction after intermittent
reinforcement is prolonged compared with extinction after crf. He
cites Neisworth et al (1985) that it might be better to first
switch to crf before beginning extinction, which would then make
extinction more rapid.
I don't have a copy of Neisworth (getting it) so in the meantime
I'll ask here. I'm sceptical about this. The appropriate test for
this claim would not be between the start of extinction in each
case. It would be to compare the time taken to extinction from
the switch to crf from intermittent (and then to extinction) in
one case, compared with the time taken to go directly to
extinction from intermittent.
In other words, if you're going to argue that switching to crf
speeds extinction, you've got to count the time taken for the
bout of crf into account.
I wonder whether Neisworth did this. Anybody know, or otherwise
have an opinion?
-Stephen
Neisworth, J. et al (1985). Reinforcer displacement. A
preliminary study of the clinical application of the
CRF/EXT effect. Behavior Modification, 9, 103-115.
Miltenberger, R. (2001). Behavior Modification:
Principles and Procedures, p. 265
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Stephen Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470
Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661
Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Canada Department web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy
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