The effects of interterial interval on avoidance learning in the rat.

Abstract

Groups of rats received avoidance training at intertrial intervals varying from ½ to 20 min. Rate of acquisition was greatest with a 5-min. interval and declined on either side of that value. Response speed was greatest with a 1-min. interval, however. "The data support the original hypothesis that fear is reduced during the intertrial interval and that greater reinforcement . . . accrues to the avoidance response with increasing intertrial intervals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)