Time-dependent memory storage: An alternative interpretation of some data

Shock-elicited defensive behavior and passive avoidance performance

“…Experiment 2 demonstrated that this type of passive avoidance was not initially affected by footshock intensity, but that as extinction of activity suppression developed, passive avoidance performance declined. The higher shock intensity led to higher levels of activity and lowered passive avoidance on the second test trial, which supports earlier work (Adams & Calhoun, 1970;Barcik & Ellis, 1971), as weil as the results of Experiment 1. These results also support the suggestion by Bolles (1970) that rapidly acquired avoidance behavior is the result of innate defensive behavior.…”

“…The postshock effects of a single footshock have been studied by a number of investigators (Adams & Calhoun, 1970;Barcik & EIlis, 1971). Specific responses developed in situations where footshock is presented include escape or activity, on the one hand, and immobility or freezing, on the other (Blanchard & Blanchard, 1968a, b).…”

“…In general, as the severity of footshock is increased, active behaviors decline, while passive behaviors increase in strength (Atrens, 1967). Inactivity has been shown to augment passive avoidance acquisition (Adams & Calhoun, 1970), and where footshock is repeatedly administered, inactivity retards shuttle avoidance acquisition (Moyer & Kom, 1964). Bolles (1970) has suggested that avoidance behavior that is acquired rapidly is the result of the interaction of various species-specific defense reactions (SSDRs), which include freezing, fleeing, and fighting with the appropriate avoidance response.…”

“…Bolles (1970) has suggested that avoidance behavior that is acquired rapidly is the result of the interaction of various species-specific defense reactions (SSDRs), which include freezing, fleeing, and fighting with the appropriate avoidance response. Indeed, Adams & Calhoun (1970) have reported an inverse relationship between activity and passive avoidance performance. However, Barcik & Collins ( 19 71 ) and Barcik & Ellis (1971) have found that, as severity of footshock is increased beyond that reported earlier, passive avoidance performance declines and activity increases.…”