One group of albino rats (N = 22) lived in the stimulating environment of a large cage for 100 days after weaning, while another group (N = 17) lived in standard cages. After testing, the environments of the two groups were reversed for a second period of 100 days, after which the first tests were repeated. The group reared in the large cage from weaning was less disturbed in the open-field test on both occasions. This group also performed better in water maze and sink-escape problems on the first test, but data from the second test could not be meaningfully evaluated. Results were interpreted as being consistent with research of Levine and Denenberg.
LevineS.Stimulation in infancy. Scient. Amer., 1960, 202, 80–86.
3.
SeamanJ. L.Another study of the effects of environment on behavior. Unpublished paper presented at meetings of the South Carolina Psychological Association, April, 1962. (Copy on file at the Wofford College library).
