The acquisition of observing responses in the absence of differential external reinforcement.

Abstract

This study was designed to determine if rats would develop a preference for conditions enabling them to anticipate the presence or absence of food over conditions where the presence or absence of food could not be anticipated. A preference for the choice which allowed anticipation was obtained. This finding is interpreted as evidence that observing responses will be acquired even if they are not instrumental in providing more reinforcing external stimuli (e.g., goal objects). The acquisition of observing responses is explained in terms of appropriate preparatory set.