Conditions affecting acquisition of observing responses in the absence of differential reward.

Abstract

Three groups of 6 rats were run in an E maze using Prokasy''s technique to determine whether acquisition of observing responses (Ro) depends on magnitude of food reward. Groups received 1, 5, or 25 pellet (.045 gm.) rewards on 1/2 their runs. Ro was acquired most quickly by 25-pellet group; 5-pellet group acquired Ro; 1-pellet group did not. Eight Ss were run in Experiment 2 in which turns to the consistent side (Ro) provided discriminative stimuli 30 sec. before 20-pellet reward. Turns to the other side provided discriminative stimuli 10 sec. before reward. Turns to the consistent side increased significantly.