An initial preference for a white box with a grid floor over a gray box with a solid floor was shown by two groups of rats. For both groups, this preference increased with time. One group having 1 hr. of familiarization with a similar, white, grid box exhibited a significantly stronger preference than the other group having no previous experience with the apparatus. An interpretation based on fear of novel stimuli and the similarity of the grid box and the home cage was offered.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BerlyneD. E.Curiosity and exploration. Science, 1966, 153, 25–33.
2.
CampbellB. A.CampbellE. H.Retention and extinction of learned fear in infant and adult rats. J. comp. physiol. Psychol., 1962, 55, 1–8.
3.
McAllisterW. R.McAllisterD. E.Postconditioning delay and intensity of shock as factors in the measurement of acquired fear. J. exp. Psychol., 1962, 64, 110–116.
4.
MontgomeryK. C.The relation between fear induced by novel stimulation and exploratory behavior. J. comp. physiol. Psychol., 1955, 48, 254–260.
