Abstract
Rabbits were classically conditioned under a single-CS dual-ISI paradigm. Contrary to a previous experiment by Frey (1970), a separate CR was conditioned at each interstimulus interval (ISI), producing a double response (DR) on long-ISI trials. Further experiments indicated that DR development is facilitated by (a) circumorbital US-location and (b) relatively high US-intensity. However, subsequent shifts to nonoptimal conditions did not produce substantial decreases in DR frequency. The presence of DRs appears to be readily amenable to interpretation in terms of a Pavlovian stimulus-trace mechanism in which the US becomes associated with a particular temporal portion of the CS. An instrumental-response-sha** hypothesis of classical conditioning can explain these data only if the hypothetical reinforcement mechanism is assumed to be considerably more complex than had previously been supposed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Frey, P. W.: Within-subject analysis of the CS-US interval in rabbit eyelid conditioning.Learning and Motivation,1:337–345, 1970.
Cormezano, I.: Classical conditioning.In J. H. Sidowski (Ed.):Experimental Methods and Instrumentation in Psychology, New York, McCraw-Hill, 1966.
Hoehler, F. K. and Leonard, D. W.: Classical nictitating membrane conditioning in the rabbit(Oryctolagus cunniculus): Single alternation with differential intertriai intervals.J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol.,85:277–288, 1973.
Leonard, D. W. and Theios, J.: Effect of CS-US interval shift on classical conditioning of the nictitating membrane in the rabbit.J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol.,63:355–358, 1967.
Martin, I. and Levey, A. B.:The Genesis of the Classical Conditioned Response. London, Pergamon Press, 1969.
Melzack, R. and Wall, P. D.: Pain mechanisms: A new theory.Science,150:971–979, 1965.
Pavlov, I. P.:Conditioned Reflexes. (Translated by G. V. Anrep). London, Oxford University Press, 1927.
Prokasy, W. F.: Classical eyelid conditioning: Experimenter operations, task demands and response sha**.In W. F. Prokasy (Ed.):Classical Conditioning. New York, Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1965.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This Research was supported in part by United States Public Health Service Grant No. MH 22514-01 to the second author.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hoehler, F.K., Leonard, D.W. Double responding in classical nictitating membrane conditioning with single-CS dual-ISI training. Pav. J. Biol. Sci. 11, 180–190 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03000295
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03000295