Effects of Several Drugs on Performance in an Approach-Avoidance Conflict

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
"In an operant-conditioning situation, which measured rate of bar pressing by 12 hungry rats for food reward, approach-avoidance conflict was tested by means of a tone of gradually increasing loudness which signalled that bar presses might be punished by gradually increasing shock intensities. The warning tone produced a stable decrement in rate of bar pressing during repeated tests." Amobarbital and small dose of chlorpromazine (2 mg./kg.) increased performance during the warning tone but not in the safe period (as compared with a placebo), thus giving evidence of reducing avoidance. Performance during the safe period was decreased by alcohol and by LSD, and was increased by caffeine. No significant effects were found with a larger dose of chlorpromazine (4 mg./kg.), methamphetamine, morphine, or cocaine.