Abstract
Rats were trained to run to an 8% sucrose solution. The Ss were then divided into four groups equated on mean log running time over the last four training trials. In the testing which followed, groups were run to a plain or complex goal box followed by a run to sugar. Mean log running time to sugar was less (faster) following exposure to a complex goal. A correlation of +.973 was found between group means of log running times to the plain and complex goal boxes and group means of log running times to sugar during testing. The results were interpreted as evidence of an activation effect (curiosity drive) as the consequence of exposure to a complex goal.
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This research was supported by National Institute of Health Research Grant #MH 10600-01 and by a Faculty Research Grant-in-Aid from the California State College at Long Beach Foundation from funds provided by the College Foundation and the National Science Foundation. Thanks are given to Jim Borg and Ted Barkley for their services in carrying out the experiment.
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Hommel, L.S. Increased Intensity of a Running Response Following Exposure to a Visually Complex Situation. Psychol Rec 16, 243–250 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393665
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393665