Surprising Nonreward Reduces Aggressive Behavior in Rats

摘要: Studies with several mammalian species show that the surprising omission of an appetitive reinforcer invigorates aggressive behavior. In present experiment, dominant and nondominant individuals within pairs male rats were identified in pretests sessions. The males then randomly assigned to one two groups trained a consummatory contrast situation. Group 32-W received exposure 32% sucrose solution was shifted water; W-W water throughout experiment. Immediately after shift water, introduced training box for 5-min-long session. previously exhibited significant decrease attacks pairmates, compared rats. Consummatory situation involving nonreward inhibits potential connection between results those obtained experiments inescapable shocks is discussed.