Drive reduction versus consummatory behavior as determinants of reinforcement.

Abstract

Acquisition of a runway habit in hungry albino rats was investigated, using as reinforcement solutions of anhydrous dextrose (20 and 26 g/l), saccharin (1.3 g/l), and a mixture of dextrose and saccharin (20 and 1.3 g,/l respectively. In the case of dextrose solutions some animals had previous experience with its nourishing properties and some did not. Mean speed to the goal box and consummatory response strength in cc''s of solution ingested in 4-min. confinement periods in the goal box at the end of a run were the measures recorded as indicating strength of the habit. Habit strength was found to be dependent on sweet concentration and independent of nourishing properties of the solutions, with or without prior experience. The relation between habit strength and consummatory response strength was an almost linear sigmoid curve. The results are contrary to drive-reduction and need-reduction theories of habit formation.