The goldfish conditioned withdrawal preparation: effects of some basic methodological variables

Barela (Psychological Reports, 110: 173-186, 2012) presented a novel preparation for the experimental study of classical fear conditioning in goldfish, and successfully employed it in the demonstration of several basic conditioning principles. The present research addressed some basic methodological questions using a modified version of this preparation. Results indicated that the modification made to the visual CS increased its efficacy, and that conditioning to this stimulus was directly related to the number of CS-US trials given, US intensity, and intertrial interval. In addition, conditioning was detected with interstimulus intervals both shorter and longer than those used previously, as well as with an auditory CS. Methodological implications for the future employment of this preparation are discussed.