Effects of discriminative Pavlovian fear conditioning upon previously or subsequently acquired avoidance responding.

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Abstract
Dogs were given discriminative Pavlovian fear conditioning to 2 tones; 1 was consistently reinforced with shock, the other was never reinforced. Prior to or subsequent to Pavlovian conditioning, Ss received instrumental avoidance-training to a visual signal. After Ss had reached an avoidance learning criterion and received Pavlovian conditioning, extinction test trials to all 3 stimuli were given. All Ss demonstrated immediate, discriminative transfer of control of the avoidance response. However, discriminativeness and persistence of transfer test responding were greatly influenced by whether Pavlovian conditioning had preceded or followed instrumental avoidance training. Control groups delimited conditions for obtaining immediate, discriminative transfer of control of avoidance responding.