Partial negative reinforcement: fixed-ratio escape |
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| Authors: | Derek P. Hendry and Louise Simpson Hendry |
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| Abstract: | Rats were unable to sustain performance when eight bar-presses turned off shock (−FR 8). In a second experiment, thirsty rats were able to maintain a moderate response rate when performance on −FR 8 was also reinforced with water. Some rats continued to bar-press on −FR 8 after withdrawal of positive reinforcement, but at a much lower rate. A possible explanation of the results is that during intermittent escape conditioning in a free-responding situation the absence of shock itself acquires aversive properties. |
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