Behavior in a novel situation as influenced by the immediately preceding environment

Behavior in a novel situation, which basically represented an increase in complexity for some Ss and a decrease in complexity for others, was sampled by the use of an exhaustive list of response categories at 5-sec intervals for 24 min. Wide behavioral differences are described. In addition, the feasibility of the time-sampling technique for the study of animal behavior is further demonstrated, and its more general use is advocated.