The effect of punishment on discrimination learning in a non-correction situation.

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Abstract
"1. This experiment was designed to study the effect of electric shock on the acquisition of a visual discrimination habit when the S is prevented from correcting or withdrawing following a choice. 2. Three groups of white rats were trained to go to the lighted alley in a modified Yerkes-Watson discrimination box. A shock-right group received both shock and food for a response to the dark alley. A shock-wrong group was given food for responding to the lighted alley and a shock for responding to the dark alley. A third no-shock group received food for a correct choice and 'nothing' for an incorrect choice . . … 3. The shock-wrong group was superior to the other two groups in terms of both trials and errors . . … 4. It is concluded that shock has a specific function with respect to the response that is punished. The animal very quickly builds up avoidance responses to the cues associated with shock. 5. These results are seemingly in conflict with the findings of other studies that shock administered anywhere after choice produces a general accelerating effect." 20 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)

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