The effects of these three variables on the relevant (walking or running) and irrelevant (rearing, sitting, and grooming) behavior components in a water-reinforced runway situation were studied in 13 thirsty rats. By comparing running times in the two halves of the runway, and time spent in irrelevant activities in start-box and goal-box, and in the runway, it was possible to conclude that: (1)
... [Show full abstract] The fractional anticipatory frustration mechanism ( rF - sF ), as proposed by Amsel and Spence, is not adequate for explaining the response decrement brought about by nonreinforcement in extinction. (2) The effect of nonreinforcement in the goal-box seems to “work forward” toward altering the behavior in the start-box on the next trial. (3) Factors involved in initiating the response may hold the key to understanding the mechanism of extinction; therefore, detailed studies of behavior in the start-box are indicated.