Air blasts as substitutes for electric shock in discrimination learning of white rats.

Abstract

Rats were trained to go through the lighted alley of a light-discrimination apparatus. In one group of animals shock was administered in the darkened alley; in the other a blast of air, blowing in the opposite direction to the animals movements in entering the alley, was administered. After 30 trials there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of positive response. More negative responses were made under the shock conditions. Some animals showed temporary disturbance on repeated encounters with the air blast. An air blast may be used as a substitute for electric shock in certain cases.