Abstract
Paper strips served as an adequate reinforcement for the acquisition and maintenance of fixed-ratio barpressing in two pregnant rats. Prior to parturition, only a small daily nest was built and barpressing occurred only in the dark part of the lighting cycle. Following parturition, barpressing for nesting material greatly increased, and sustained periods of responding alternated with nest-building and pup-care activities.
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This work was supported by USPHS Grant HD-03131.
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Oley, N.N., Slotnick, B.M. Nesting material as a reinforcement for operant behavior in the rat. Psychon Sci 21, 41–43 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332425
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332425