Further exploration of delayed reinforcement effects on resurgence: A replication of Jarmolowicz & Lattal (2014)

Resurgence of a previously extinguished response often occurs when alternative conditions of reinforcement are worsened. Jarmolowicz and Lattal (2014) showed that delayed alternative reinforcement can induce resurgence, but it is unclear if the increase of response-reinforcer interval alone was responsible to such effect or other variables such as the decrease in reinforcement rate could have played a role. The present study aimed to replicate and extend the effect of delayed reinforcement on resurgence. The Replication group experienced increasing delays in alternative reinforcement schedules, while the Delay group experienced both increasing delays and richer frequencies of alternative reinforcement, ensuring that the reinforcement rate remained constant across sessions. Results showed more resurgence in the Replication group, suggesting that delay alone is not enough to produce resurgence.