Abstract
Two experiments studied changes in shuttle-avoidance behavior of rats during CS-US training. A factorial design, with baseline shock delivery (to both sides of the shuttle chamber, or to the pre-shuttle side only) and initial Pavlovian training (given off- or superimposed on-baseline) as the major variables, was used in both experiments. The design also permitted an analysis of avoidance changes over sessions. Experiment I used a US longer than, and Experiment II a US identical to, baseline shock. In both experiments, shuttle-avoidance changes were affected by the CS-US relationship rather than the specific treatment conditions. Impaired avoidance was found during the preshock CS as indicated by an increase in shock rate. The CS also controlled a positively accelerated response pattern and, simultaneously, an inverted-U shock rate pattern. When the CS subsequently was given without US (Pavlovian extinction), impaired avoidance was replaced by avoidance enhancement.
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This project was supported by a grant from the Faculty Research Committee.
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Roberts, A.E., Porter, J.W. CS-US Training, Method of Baseline Shock Delivery, and the Conditioned Suppression of Shuttle Avoidance. Psychol Rec 26, 377–386 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394401
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394401