The relationship between external stimulation, food deprivation, and activity.

Abstract

Twelve rats raised on an ad lib feeding schedule were placed in activity wheels and given a 14-day adaptation period. For the next 9 days their activity was measured daily for two 30-min. periods. The first 30-min. period consisted of the normal environmental stimulation[long dash]darkness, with auditory stimulation consisting only of the moving activity wheels. The second 30-min. period consisted of a marked increase in environmental stimulation[long dash]a flashing light and a considerable increase in auditory stimulation. Following the 9-day period, half of the Ss were deprived of food, the other half continued on their ad lib feeding schedule. Activity under the two different environmental conditions was recorded as before. Results indicated that the increased environmental stimulation resulted in an increase in activity, and the addition of a food-deprived state increased it still more.