Transfer of secondary reinforcement across the hunger and thirst drives.

Abstract

In Expt. I, 20 rats were given 8 trials per day for 5 days on a straightaway, Ss being thirsty and receiving a water reward. Subsequently Ss, while hungry, were given 15 free choices in a T-maze to determine whether the former goal box possessed secondary reinforcing strength under the altered motivating conditions. The Ss showed a highly significant preference for the side of the T-maze on which the former goal box was located. In Expt. II Ss were trained hungry and tested for secondary reinforcement while thirsty. Secondary reinforcement was again in evidence.