Simple and conditional visual discrimination with wheel running as reinforcement in rats.

摘要: Three experiments explored whether access to wheel running is sufficient as reinforcement establish and maintain simple conditional visual discriminations in nondeprived rats. In Experiment 1, 2 rats learned press a lit key produce running; responding was virtually absent when the dark, but latencies respond were longer than for customary food water reinforcers. Increases intertrial interval did not improve discrimination performance. 2, 3 acquired go-left/go-right with trial-initiating response reached an accuracy that exceeded 80%; two keys showed steady light, pressing left produced whereas right both blinking light. Latencies lights shortened trial-initiation introduced became much shorter 1. 3, 1 rat task (matching sample) versus at exceeding 80%. A allowed self-paced trials 2. When exposed 19 successive 24-hr periods water, performance settled typical circadian pattern peak 90%. under extinction, without running, activity determined time of spontaneous recovery. The demonstrate wheel-running can be used