Abstract
Four rats were found to have conspicuous discrete-trial performance decrements when reinforced in a runway with intracranial stimulation (ICS). The decrement was reduced among all Ss and across all daily trials, to a level of no decrement, by administering amobarbital sodium (sodium amytal) 20 min prior to the runway trials. The data support the notion that the ICS decrement, when observed, results from an approach-avoidance conflict; some fear-inducing component of the electrical stimulation appears to play a causal role.
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1. Supported, in part, by funds from the Committee on Faculty Research, Bradley University.
2. Our thanks to Mr. James Fennell for his assistance with testing the Ss.
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Wasden, R.E., Reid, L.D. Intracranial stimulation: Performance decrements and a fear-reducing drug. Psychon Sci 12, 117–118 (1968). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03331226
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03331226