Abstract
A simple, programmed shock-avoidance procedure is described for conditioning squirrel monkeys to track MAF or MAP thresholds. The method requires the animal to press a lever within 3 sec of tone onset to avoid mild shock punishment. Successful or unsuccessful responses control the increase or decrease step of a recording attenuator. Analog-to-digital conversion of recorder pen position is made with an add-subtract stepper in parallel with the recording attenuator. Coding is done through a diode matrix, and the value on each trial is punched into eight-channel paper tape. Arithmetic means and standard deviations are computed off line. The method permits test sessions up to 8 h in duration and is unaffected by appetitive variables associated with food or water rewards. Examples are given of tracked thresholds under normal and selected experimental conditions. [Work supported in part by National Institutes of Health.]
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