Demonstration of the Kamin effect after one-trial avoidance learning

Abstract

In two experiments, groups of rats were trained to make a one-trial avoidance response, and were given a test of retention at various intervals afterward. The result in both experiments was a U-shaped retention function (Kamin effect). Because of the nature of one-trial avoidance learning, the Kamin effect does not seem attributable to warm-up factors or to a temporary state of overarousal.