The effect of the blackout method on acquisition and generalization.

Wildemann et al. (1973) worked with pigeons to test a new way to teach color differences.

They compared two methods: normal extinction and Lyons’ blackout method.

Birds pecked a key when colors appeared. Wrong colors turned the lights off for a few seconds instead of giving no food.

Both methods pushed the birds’ color choices away from the wrong color.

The generalization curves looked the same, so blackout worked like extinction.

Peak shift showed up after both procedures, proving the blackout is a true extinction substitute.

Halpern et al. (1966) and Reynolds (1968) already showed that plain extinction moves the peak. G et al. add blackout as another way to get the same move.

Baer (1974) came next and used many fast extinction sessions. They got an even steeper curve, showing the idea keeps growing.

Dukhayyil et al. (1973) tested lots of extra training in the same year. They found no sure peak shift, while G et al. did find it. The difference is the tool: extra drills alone do not guarantee the shift, but blackout or extinction does.

You now have two tools that do the same job: blackout or extinction. If a learner gets upset when food stops, try a brief blackout instead. The lights go off, the response drops, and stimulus control sharpens just the same. Use it when you need a gentler way to teach tough discriminations.