Generalization of extinction of an instrumental response to stimuli varying in the size dimension.

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Abstract
Albino rats were trained to approach white discs to obtain a food reward. This habit was then extinguished by presenting the disc without access to food. Discs of varying areas were then presented and the animals'' responses to them were utilized in estimating the manner in which the extinction of 1 habit generalizes to another, highly similar habit. Eight groups of 11 rats each were employed, with each group being extinguished and then tested upon a unique combination of discs, so constructed as to represent approx. equal log steps in area. From plots of latency of response on the 1st test trial as a function of stimulus area, 2 generalization functions were obtained. These confirmed the frequent assumption of falling gradients, but lacked the symmetry usually hypothesized for these relations. The possible reasons for this asymmetry are discussed.
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