Abstract
Four groups of 12 rats were run in a straight alley to test Spence’s (1956) hypothesis that incentive motivation (K) can be developed prior to the learning of a running response. The Ss received either 10 or 60 goal box (GB) placements, either rewarded or nonrewarded, prior to running trials. First trial running performance of the 60 GB rewarded group was superior to the other groups, especially on running measures taken nearest the GB. This superiority was maintained over the 10 acquisition trials, again mostly near the GB. The results supported Spence’s hypothesis, and the concept of generalization of rg - sg backwards from the GB.
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This investigation is based upon the first author’s M.S. Thesis under the direction of the second author. The research was supported by NSF Grant GB-3466 to the second author.
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Senkowski, P.C., Porter, J.J. & Madison, H.L. Goal gradient effect of incentive motivation (K) manipulated through prior goal box placements. Psychon Sci 11, 29–30 (1968). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328136
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328136