Differential reward value of incomplete and complete sexual behavior.

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Abstract
Male albino rats were trained in a T maze, in two experiments, in order to determine possible differences in the reward value of three patterns of sexual response. One group was allowed to ejaculate with a receptive female after each correct turn in the maze, a second group was allowed only intromissions and no ejaculation, and a third group was allowed to mount and thrust a receptive female but without intromission or ejaculation. The animals allowed to ejaculate showed increased sexual responsiveness with the female and decreasing errors in the maze. The males not allowed to ejaculate showed a decreased coital responsiveness but some tendency toward an increase in correct runs as training progressed. It was concluded that although sexual responding short of ejaculation motivates the acquisition of a habit which inhibits further copulatory behavior, certain aspects of the mating pattern can function as rewards for instrumental learning.

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