Abstract
Rats of the Maudsley Reactive and Nonreactive strains were used to study changes in rearing activity as a function of changes in the visual field. The results were evaluated in terms of the “preference” and “scanning” theories, which were not supported. However the results were consistent with the “stimulus change” theory. Rearing is advanced as a simple measure of sensory reinforcement.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
BERLYNE, D. E. Conflict, arousal and curiosity. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1960.
BROADHURST, P. L. Experiments in psychogenetics: applications of biometrical genetics to the inheritance of behaviour. In H. J. Eysenck (Ed.), Experiments in personality. Vol. 1. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1960. Pp. 1–102.
EYSENCK, H. J., & BROADHURST, P. L. Introduction to Part II of H. J. Eysenck (Ed.), Experiments in motivation. London: Pergamon Press, 1964. Pp. 285–291.
FORGAYS, D. G., & LEVIN, H. Discrimination and reversal learning as a function of change of sensory stimulation. J. comp. physiol. Psychol., 1959, 52, 191–194.
GREGORY, K., & LIEBELT, E. An examination of sex and strain differences in the rearing response to a novel environment. Activas nervosa Superior, 1967, 9, 2, 137–139.
HOLLAND, H. C., GUPTA, B. D., & WELDON, E. A note on rearing and an environmental constraint. Activas nervosa Superior, 1966, 8, 2, 140–144.
HURWITZ, H. M. B. Conditioned responses in rats reinforced by light. Brit. J. anim. Behav., 1956, 4, 31–33.
HURWITZ, H. M. B. Effect of a successive conditioning-extinction procedure on light contingent bar-pressing. Psychol. Rep., 1964, 15, 959–966.
KISH, G. B. Studies in sensory reinforcement. In W. K. Honig (Ed.), Operant behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1966. Pp. 109–159.
LAT, J. The spontaneous exploratory reactions as a tool for psychopharmacological studies. Proc. 2nd. Int. Pharm. Meeting, Prague, 1963, 47–66.
LOCKARD, R. B. Some effects of light upon the behavior of rodents. Psychol Bull, 1963, 60, 509–529.
ROBINSON, J. S. The reinforcing effects of response contingent light increment and decrement in hooded rats. J. comp. physiol Psychol., 1961, 54, 470–473.
WELDON, E. Stimulus or stimulation: relevant cues in a learning situation involving differences in light reinforcement. Psychon. Sci., 1968, 10, 239–240.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Notes
1. The research was supported by a grant from the Bethlem Royal Hospital and Maudsley Hospital Research Fund.
2. The author is indebted to Dr. H. C. Holland, at whose suggestion the research was instigated.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Weldon, E. To see, or not to see: Rearing activity as a function of changes in the visual field. Psychon Sci 12, 83–84 (1968). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03331204
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03331204