Frustrative factors in selective learning with reward and nonreward as discriminanda.

Abstract

Studied the effect of reward experience prior to discrimination training and the measurement of running time after reward and after nonreward in the discrimination trials. With rats that had a history of consistent reward at the choice point, the response which is correct following non-reward at the choice point tends to be fixated earlier in training relative to the response which is correct following reward. With a previous history of nonreward at the choice point, a reward-side fixation was observed. Findings are discussed in terms of the motivational properties of frustration in selective learning.