The use of rats as discriminative stimuli

J Exp Anal Behav. 1966 Nov;9(6):677-9. doi: 10.1901/jeab.1966.9-677.

Abstract

A FREE OPERANT PROCEDURE WAS USED TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT ONE RAT COULD DISCRIMINATE: (1) between the presence and absence of a second rat, and (2) between two other rats of the same species and sex. The subjects were four male Wistar rats. The discriminatory response was a bar press and food was used as reinforcement during training. Although there were wide individual differences in rate of learning, all subjects learned to make both discriminations.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Conditioning, Operant
  • Conditioning, Psychological*
  • Discrimination Learning*
  • Male
  • Rats*
  • Smell