Spontaneous Recovery
Modified: 2020-03-27
One extinction episode is usually not enough to undo completely a
conditioned response. So, when an animal is returned to the original
conditioning situation and allowed to make the conditioned response,
it will. In order to obtain complete extinction, many extinction
trials will be required. Think of how many trials were required for
the original conditioning. It only makes sense that a similar number
of trials will be required for complete extinction.
Think about someone trying to quit drinking alcohol. When they
return to the same situations where they used to drink, they must
battle spontaneous recovery. That is why programs like Alcoholics
Anonymous try to prevent their members from returning to their old
haunts. Another good example is when a recently divorced couple visit
each other. They may, through spontaneous recovery, engage in an old
conditioned response (e.g., lovemaking), much to the chagrin of their
new partners.
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