Duration variability of the intracranially reinforced barpressing response in the rat

Abstract

The study was designed to examine the intracranially reinforced (ICR) response duration in the rat. Twenty-two animals were implanted with hypothalamic stimulating electrodes. In addition to these, four animals had electrodes in the septal rewarding area, and six in the cortex. Animals were divided into six groups. Each group was trained with a different reinforcement schedule. Barpressing response for the ICR was recorded on paper and magnetic tape. Analysis of data was performed by a Linc 8 computer. Results indicated the response to be a highly sensitive parameter to various stimulus conditions. The scope of response duration observed and its variability suggested a role of centrally generated feedback in the emission of the barpress. An attempt was made to interpret the data along a model of information processing, without reference to so-called motivational and reinforcing properties of the ICR stimulus.