An Examination of Miller's Approach-Avoidance Procedures in an Open Field

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Abstract
4 groups of food-deprived rats were formed by matching animals on approach behavior to a food cup in the center of an open field. Two of the groups became experimental groups for avoidance training; a high-shock group (1.0 ma.) and a low-shock group (0.15 ma.). The remaining two groups became high- and low-shock control groups. The experimental groups differed significantly on the number of times shocked during avoidance training and trials to recovery from avoidance training. Expected differential circling distances from the food dish for high- and low-shock groups did not occur. The open field dramatically elicited thigmotaxic behavior and emotional stress reactions. Changes in apparatus design were suggested to elicit differential circling distances between experimental groups. The results support theory developed for straight-alley data.