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Published on: July 4, 2013
BEHAVIOR: PERSISTENCE OF SHOCK-INDUCED AGGRESSION
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 28, 1964
Summary
Aversive stimulation, like electric shock, can trigger aggression in mammals. This fighting behavior persists unless non-aggressive actions are reinforced by ending the shock.
Area of Science:
- Animal Behavior
- Neuroscience
- Ethology
Background:
- Aversive stimuli can elicit aggression in mammals without prior conditioning.
- Understanding the persistence of shock-induced aggression is crucial for behavioral research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the persistence of shock-induced fighting behavior in mammals.
- To determine the conditions under which shock-induced aggression can be suppressed.
Main Methods:
- Mammalian subjects were exposed to aversive shock stimulation.
- Negative reinforcement was applied for non-aggressive behaviors.
- Reinforcement schedules varied to assess their impact on fighting frequency.
Main Results:
- Shock-induced fighting persisted despite negative reinforcement for alternative behaviors.
- A significant decrease in fighting frequency occurred only when shock termination was contingent on specific non-aggressive responses.
Conclusions:
- Shock-induced aggression is a robust behavior that is difficult to suppress.
- Contingent reinforcement of non-aggressive behaviors is effective in reducing shock-induced fighting.
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