The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that conflict increases the magnitude of the startle response. Animals were trained to enter a dark goal box to avoid electric shock. 10 animals reached criterion performance of 16 consecutive correct goal-box choices and were then tested for startle under conflict and con-conflict conditions over 3 test days. The results supported the hypothesis that conflict increases the magnitude of the startle response. An analysis in terms of conflict increasing the drive level was offered, along with an alternative analysis based on the possibility that drive was increased by fear.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ArmusH. L.CarlsonK. R.GuinanJ. F.CrowellR. A.Effect of a secondary reinforcement stimulus on the auditory startle response. Psychological Reports, 1964, 14, 535–540.
BrownJ. S.FarberI. E.Emotions conceptualized as intervening variables—with suggestions toward a theory of frustration. Psychological Bulletin, 1951, 48, 465–495.
4.
BrownJ. S.KalishH. I.FarberI. E.Conditioned fear as revealed by magnitude of startle response to an auditory stimulus. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1951, 41, 317–328.
5.
FingerF. W.Qualitative studies of conflict: I. Variations in latency and strength of the rat's response in a discrimination-jumping situation. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 1941, 31, 97–127.
6.
GuinanJ. F.The effect of conflict on the magnitude of startle response. Unpublished master's thesis, Univer. of Toledo, 1962.
7.
MerymanJ. J.The magnitude of the startle response as a function of hunger and fear. Unpublished master's thesis, State Univer. of Iowa, 1952.
8.
WilliamsJ.A note on approach-approach conflict in rats. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 1943, 35, 269–274.
