A study of changes in orientation resulting from changed intra-organic motivation in learning.

Abstract

The objects of the expt. were to determine if a rat, run in a 5 unit multiple-T maze, would (1) change its orientation with a change in the drive or incentive and (2) change its mode of response at a particular bifurcation in the maze as the drives are changed. 30 rats were used. One group was motivated by hunger and rewarded with food; another was motivated by thirst and rewarded with water; in the 3d group these 2 drives were alternated day by day. The results substantiated the following statements: (1) while learning the maze, the rat can maintain an appropriate general orientation when the motivation is changed; (2) after some acquaintance with the maze situation the rat can make an appropriate choice at a particular bifurcation in the maze as the motivation is changed.