Establishment of drug discrimination and drug reinforcement in different animal strains: some methodological issues

The study of drug reinforcement and drug discrimination in different animal strains raises some methodological issues. Potential problems are discussed, and some possible solutions are mentioned. A distinction is made between establishment of drug reinforced behavior and the maintenance of drug reinforced behavior. A similar distinction holds for the establishment and maintenance of drug discriminations. Strain differences may arise during either the establishment or maintenance phases. Interpretation of findings of strain differences is also discussed. Lastly, a distinction is made between drug self-administration and drug reinforcement.