The effect of two ways of devaluing the unconditioned stimulus after first- and second-order appetitive conditioning

J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 1975 Oct;1(4):355-63. doi: 10.1037//0097-7403.1.4.355.

Abstract

Rats received first- and second-order conditioning based upon a food unconditioned stimulus (UCS). They then received one of two manipulations designed to reduce the value of that food, satiation, or pairing of food with high-speed rotation. The effects of these manipulations were assessed during extinction tests of the conditioned stimuli (CSs). Compared with controls, both manipulations reduced the activity produced by the first-order CS but did not affect that produced by a second-order CS. The results are interpreted as consistent with those from aversive UCSs in implying the involvement of a UCS representation in first- but not in second-order conditioning. They also suggest that a major effect of satiation is to reduce the value of the UCS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Animals
  • Association
  • Conditioning, Classical*
  • Extinction, Psychological
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Food Deprivation
  • Male
  • Motor Activity
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Rats
  • Rotation
  • Satiation*