| Abstract: | Four groups of pigeons were trained to discriminate between green and red. Pecks on a second key produced a timeout from the schedule in effect for 30 sec. For two of the groups, this timeout response turned off all the lights in the chamber (Blackout), while for the other two, only the key-lights were turned off (No Blackout). For one of the Blackout groups and one of the No Blackout groups, responses on the discrimination key during the extinction component (S?) also resulted in a mild electric shock. Blackout groups produced more timeouts during S? than did No Blackout groups, but electric shock punishment suppressed, rather than enhanced, timeout responding. These findings suggest a need for reevaluation of the hypothesis that the timeout response is an escape from an aversive S?. |
