Demonstrating and Investigating Resurgence with Human Participants in Laboratory Research

Abstract

Resurgence is the recurrence of a previously extinguished behaviour. Resurgence, a behavioural phenomenon, is of increased interest in animal and clinical human research. Three recent accounts have explained the resurgence effect. Recent studies have also investigated factors successful in affecting the extent of resurgence. Yet limited work citing resurgence with human participants in laboratory research is concerning. These works investigating resurgence with humans presented challenges that questioned experimental control of behaviour. Furthermore, these procedures included lengthy sessions, complex responses, and rule-following behaviours. A methodology, using elements of a pursuit-tracking task and general descriptive instructions, was created. The methodology first addressed the challenges by achieving good experimental control of behaviour. It then continued to demonstrate resurgence in both four- and three-phase procedure. Three experiments conducted demonstrated resurgence in a manner like those of the animal literature. Replication of findings from previous research also proved the methodology robust in investigating resurgence. Consideration of potential implications, and further use and future development were discussed.