A rat is trained to lever-press to avoid receiving a shock in an operant chamber. In the second phase of training, the rat receives a tone-shock and flashing light-food pairings in a wooden box. In the third phase, the rat is placed back in the operant chamber and the tone and flashing light are presented separately on different trials while the subject engages in avoidance responding. If classical conditioning, instrumental conditioning, and central states interact as Rescorla and Solomon propose, then the light should _______ avoidance responding and the tone should _______ avoidance responding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The light, associated with food, should decrease avoidance responding because it signals a positive outcome, reducing the motivation to avoid. The tone, associated with shock, should increase avoidance responding because it signals a negative outcome, enhancing the motivation to avoid.

A Rat Is Trained to Lever-Press to Avoid Receiving a Shock