Abstract
Effects of Metrazol and electroconvulsive shock (ECS), each administered under the same conditions 5 min after one trial training were compared. Metrazol produced memory impairment while ECS did not. In all cases Metrazol produced submaximal seizures (clonic seizures or multiple jerks) while ECS produced the more intense tonic. extensor seizures. Therefore, maximum intensity of seizure was ruled out as an explanation of this particular case. However, the convulsive action of Metrazol lasted longer than that of ECS and this might have accounted for the results. The character and duration of a period of consolidation of memory cannot be explained unequivocally in terms of a single agent which produces retrograde amnesia.
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1. This research is based upon a thesis submitted by the author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M. A. degree in psychology at Roosevelt University. The author wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. J. A. Chevalier who contributed to all phases of this research. A preliminary report of this research (Kincaid and Chevalier) was presented at the 1966 meeting of the Midwestern Psychological Association in Chicago.
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Kincaid, J.P. A comparison of the retrograde amnesic effects of Metrazol and electroconvulsive shock. Psychon Sci 8, 387–388 (1967). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332253
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332253