Further analysis of the determinants of avoidance behavior.

Abstract

Using rats, Kamin, Campbell, Jedd, Ryan, and Walker (1959) varied CS (conditioned stimulus) and (aversive) US termination to coincide with or to follow the escape act (shuttling). All Ss could avoid US by shuttling within 5 sec. following initial CS presentations. In this study the procedure of Kamin et al was left intact except that S had to perform an avoidance act (shuttling) different from that to escape US (bar pressing). In contrast with their findings, Ss learned better to avoid the less effectively they learned to escape. The results confirm predictions based on 2-factor theory.