Avoidance Behavior of the Cat as a Function of Shock Intensity and Training Schedule

Abstract
A shuttle-box avoidance of shock was acquired and extinguished in 38 cats, distributed in five treatment groups according to US level (1, 2, 4 ma.) and trials per day (5, 10, 20 trials). Performance on six behavioral measures indicated that 2 ma. was the optimal current level and five shock-trials per day the optimal training schedule. The group trained at both preferred values was superior in acquisition speed, extinction speed, trial of first avoidance and trials to criterion acquisition. Emotionality ratings were highest for Ss trained at 4 ma. Body weight correlated .45 with trials to acquisition. Intercorrelations between the behavioral measures are discussed, along with the shock-trials schedule and methodological problems associated with shock-avoidance technique.

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