Facets of Pavlovian and operant extinction

Research on extinction is of fundamental importance in both Pavlovian and operant approaches to the experimental analysis of learning. Although these approaches are often motivated by different empirical and theoretical questions, extinction has emerged as a research area in which common themes unite the two approaches. In this review, we focus on some common considerations in the analysis of Pavlovian and operant extinction. These include methodological challenges and interpretational issues in analyzing behavior during and after extinction. We consider the different roles that theory has played in the development of research on extinction in these preparations and conclude with some attention to applications of extinction.

► This article reviews research and theory on Pavlovian and operant extinction.
► This article focuses on common procedural and interpretational challenges in Pavlovian and operant extinction.
► This article addresses applications of Pavlovian and operant research on extinction.