Analysis of variables influencing alternation after forced trials.

Abstract

Rats were given blocks of massed, forced trials in a T-maze, followed by alternation tests. Forced runs to one side of the maze over a pathway which required both a right and a left turn were followed by nearly 100% alternation. When forced runs were followed by tests with room orientation of the maze changed by 90 degrees, alternation dropped to a change level. Forcing rats repeatedly to a black or a white maze arm which varied in left-right location from trial to trial resulted in significant alternation with respect to the black-white stimulus variable. It was concluded that alternation following forced trials depends upon repetitive exposure to particular stimulus conditions, but not upon response-associated variables.