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Choosing between predictable shock schedules: Long- versus short-duration signals
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|May 1, 1984
Summary
Rats preferred shorter shock-predicting signals over longer ones. However, they preferred stimuli signaling shorter shock-free periods, suggesting safety signals influence preferences.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Preshock signals predict aversive events.
- Stimuli can signal both impending danger and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the aversiveness of different duration preshock signals.
- To determine if preferences are driven by shock or safety signals.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments using rats in operant chambers and shuttleboxes.
- Manipulated duration of preshock and shock-free period stimuli.
Main Results:
- Rats maintained responding when switching to longer preshock signals.
- Rats preferred shorter preshock signals over longer ones.
- Rats preferred stimuli signaling shorter shock-free periods.
Conclusions:
- Aversiveness is influenced by signal duration and context.
- Safety signals, even shorter ones, can be preferred.
- Findings align with models of stimulus compounds and contrast phenomena.