In two experiments, water-deprived rats were given a single pairing of a su
crose solution with LiCl in one context (Context 1). Some subjects then rec
eived three nonreinforced exposures to sucrose, that is, extinction, in Con
text I. Other subjects received these three sucrose extinction trials in a
different context (e.g., Context 2). A third group of subjects was included
that received one extinction trial in each of three different contexts (Co
ntexts 2, 3, and 4). Following this treatment, the rats were returned to Co
ntext 1 and were tested for their aversion to sucrose. Subjects given extin
ction trials only in one context other than the conditioning context (e.g.,
Context 2) yielded a greater aversion sucrose at test than subjects given
extinction in Context 1, that is, a renewal effect occurred. Moreover, the
groups given extinction in three different contexts exhibited attenuated re
newal relative to subjects that received extinction trials only in Context
2. The discussion focuses on the possible mechanism underlying the renewal
effect, (C) 1999 Academic Press.