Avoidance behavior as a function of length of nonshock confinement.

Abstract

In 2 experiments increasing the time spent in the "safe" region of a jumpout box apparatus brought about faster learning of an avoidance response by rats when the shock and nonshock boxes were dissimilar and faster extinction of this response when the boxes were similar. In Experiment 3 in a 2-choice avoidance situation rats learned to select the side associated with the longer nonshock confinement period, provided they spent this period in the compartment which they had entered when escaping or avoiding. The results were interpreted as calling drive reduction theorizing into question, while supporting an elicitation theory explanation of reinforcement in terms of response (relaxation-approach).