Abstract
Negative phototaxic (light avoidance) responses of earthworms were measured under two thigmotaxic (bodily contact) conditions: presence or absence of an alley. As predicted by Smith (1902), the presence of an alley greatly increased the time taken by Ss to move away from a light source. It was concluded that thigmotaxis is a powerful motivational variable in the earthworm.
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References
RATNER, S. C., & GARDNER, L. E. Variables affecting responses of earthworms to light. Journal of Comparative & Physiological Psychology, 1968, 66, 239–243.
SMITH, A. C. The influence of temperature, odors, light and contact on movements of the earthworm. American Journal of Physiology, 1902, 6, 459–486.
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Doolittle, J.H. The effect of thigmo taxis on negative phototaxis in the earthworm. Psychon Sci 22, 311–312 (1971). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335971
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335971