Performance in instrumental learning as a joint function of delay of reinforcement and time of deprivation.

Abstract

40 male hooded rats were administered 104 reinforced trials in a simple instrumental learning situation. 4 groups each received one of 2 levels of the following experimental variables: delay of reinforcement (1 sec. vs. 5 sec.) and time of food deprivation (22 hr. vs. 4 hr.). Short-delay groups ran faster than long-delay groups, and high-drive groups ran faster than low-drive groups. No significant interaction was found between the effects of delay of reinforcement and time of deprivation, a result contrary to Hull''s assumption that TG and TD combine multiplicatively, but consistent with Spence''s that these factors combine additively.