Abstract
Six male gerbils were tested for their unconditioned response to shock (0.0–0.9 mA in 0.1-mA steps) before and after shaving the tail, feet, and scrotum. Results indicated that the gerbils were more sensitive after shaving than before. The Ss under both conditions made flinch responses at low intensities of shock, reaching a maximum of 0.1 mA and then declining. The Ss under both conditions showed an increase in locomotor responses from 0.0 mA to 0.9 mA. The response topographies for both the flinch and locomotor responses were similar to those of the rat (Trabasso & Thompson, 1962) but were displaced toward low shock intensities.
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The authors wish to thank Bruce Whitehead for his help in statistical analysis.
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Thompson, R.W., Higbee, M. Shock intensity and unconditioned responding in the gerbil. Psychon Sci 20, 292–293 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329073
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329073