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This study tested 2 implications of the extinction model of unlearning. The model predicts that A-B associations, after the learning of A-C, should recover strength spontaneously with time and should resist unlearning better when practiced under partial reinforcement (reduced % ORM). Availability of B and C responses was measured after 1 min., 24 hr., or 48 hr. by MMFR. While control Ss (A-B only) showed slight forgetting over the retention interval, experimental Ss improved their recall of List 1 responses. List 1 responses were also more likely to be given 1st in delayed recall. Learning under 50% ORM was slightly slower than under 100% ORM, but seemed to produce greater resistance to interference from the 2nd list. Neither only-list nor 2nd-list availability was affected by % ORM. Thus both hypotheses seem to be supported. An interpretation was offered of the ORM effect in terms of greater resistance to unlearning of Ist-list context under 50% ORM.

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I wish to acknowledge the teaching and advice of Professor Martha Nussbaum relevant to this project. It was her analysis that first put me on to the issue and her erudition that pointed out an avenue of approach to it. Any errors in my analysis, however, are totally my own. An abridged version of this article was presented at a meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association at Arlington, Virginia on April 11, 1987. Thanks are also due to John Stevenson for his thoughtful criticism of an earlier draft.

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