Spontaneous Recovery

Modified: 2020-03-27 10:30 AM CDST

• 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, AKA 'sex with ex'), much to the chagrin of their new partners.