A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY OF CER IN RATS WITH ‘LICKING’AS THE CRITERION RESPONSE

Abstract

Two CER experiments were conducted with'licking'as the criterion response. In Experiment I, rats' (N=12) number of tongue laps in a drinking box was signiffcantly suppressed by the presentation of a CS which had been paired with electric shock previously. This suppression was not observed in the control group of 11 Ss. In Experiment II, the effect of US intensity upon CER was tested with 11 Ss using a within-subject design. The CS's of two modalities were reinforced with electric shock of two intensities in a balanced design. The Ss' drinking response was significantly more suppressed by the presentation of a CS which had been paired with stronger shock than of that with weaker shock. The results were discussed mainly from a methodological point of view.

The effects of intensities of shock and thirst on licking conditioned suppression

“…The fact of greater conditioned suppression with stronger unconditioned shock stimulus is congruent with the past findings (e.g., Annau & Kamin, 1961;Yoshida, Kai, & Imada, 1969, Experiment 2; See also Davis, 1968, Pp. 283-284).…”

Second-order conditioning in a licking-based conditioned suppression situation

“…Apparatus. The experimental chambers consisted of four identical drinking boxes which were essentially the same as in Yoshida, Kai, and Imada (1969) and Nageishi and Imada (1974). Inside dimensions of each box were 20 cm long, 10 cm wide, and 15 cm high.…”

PROPER CONTROL PROCEDURE IN THE “ON-THE-BASE-LINE” TYPE OF CER EXPERIMENT

“…The apparatus was four identical water drinking boxes used in the second experiment of Yoshida,Kai and Imada(1969).Each drinking box with a grid-floor was 20cm long, 10cm wide and 15cm high(inside dimensions). In the lower part of the wall at one narrow end of the box was a hole (12mm dia.…”