Avoidance response rates during a pre-food stimulus in monkeys

Free-operant avoidance responding was maintained by a shock avoidance schedule in three monkeys. The frequency of avoidance responses during a stimulus terminated by response-independent food pellet presentation was dependent upon the method of pellet delivery. Avoidance rates were relatively increased when food retrieval responses followed pellet delivery. Avoidance rates were decreased when retrieval responses preceded pellet delivery.