Reinforcement Ratio, Spontaneous Recovery, and Suggestibility as a Control in Verbal Conditioning

Abstract

A postural-sway suggestibility measurement was used as a control to reduce within-group variability, producing relatively smooth conditioning functions with very small Ns. Five different reinforcement ratios were used and in each case the verbal conditioning functions were consistent with general operant research. Spontaneous recovery was observed when extinction trials were separated by a 48-hr. delay. The most efficient reinforcement ratio was the combination of 100 by 50%, which produced rapid acquisition and showed relatively slow extinction. It is suggested that workers with either clinical or research interests should consider both suggestibility and reinforcement ratio as important variables.