Experimental Tests of Hull's Reasoning Paradigms

Abstract

Two tests of Hull's reasoning paradigm were conducted. The basic paradigm required that rats be trained to approach goal box C for one incentive and to approach goal boxes B and D for an incentive which differed in quality and/or quantity. It was further required that goal box B serve as the termination of an A-B sequence and the beginning of a B-C sequence. Hull predicted on the basis of the r_g mechanism that under test conditions requiring a choice between the A-B route and the A-D route a significant proportion of Ss would make an “insightful” choice of the A-B route. The results were uniformly negative for Hull's prediction. Under these conditions rats do not manifest the ability to assemble separately acquired behavior segments.