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Optimal behavior by rats in a choice task is associated to a persistent conditioned inhibition effect
R Emmanuel Trujano1, Paulina López1, Maryed Rojas-Leguizamón1
1Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F. 04510, Mexico.
Behavioural Processes
|July 17, 2016
Summary
Rats prefer choices with higher reinforcement probability, unlike pigeons. This preference is strongly influenced by stimuli signaling non-reinforcement, which persists even after extensive training.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Comparative Psychology
Background:
- Pigeons exhibit suboptimal choice, preferring stimuli associated with lower reinforcement probability.
- This pigeon behavior is linked to a diminishing effect of non-reinforcement stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if rats' optimal choice is more influenced by non-reinforcement stimuli than pigeons'.
- To determine if the effect of non-reinforcement stimuli dissipates in rats during training.
Main Methods:
- Rats were trained to choose between two alternatives with different reinforcement probabilities and stimulus conditions.
- Summation trials were used to assess the impact of non-reinforcement stimuli after training.
Main Results:
- Rats consistently preferred the alternative with a higher probability of reinforcement (0.75).
- The stimulus associated with non-reinforcement significantly influenced rat choice and did not dissipate with training.
Conclusions:
- Rats' optimal choice behavior is strongly modulated by stimuli signaling non-reinforcement.
- Differences in the impact of conditioned inhibitors may explain the contrasting choice behaviors between rats and pigeons.
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