A, B, and C are conditioned to an asymptote. Then A and B are compounded on trials without the US (AB-no US) and C is presented alone, without the US (C-no US). Which will undergo the greater amount of extinction according to the Rescorla-Wagner model?
A) C, then A, then B
B) C, then B, then A
C) A and B, then C
D) At first C, but A and B will extinguish more quickly on later trials.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Rescorla-Wagner model, extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (US). The amount of extinction that occurs depends on the strength of the CS-US association. In this case, A and B have been conditioned to an asymptote, which means that the CS-US association is very strong. Therefore, A and B will undergo less extinction than C, which has not been conditioned to an asymptote.

A, B, and C Are Conditioned to an Asymptote