Effects of Drive, Discrimination Training and Response Disruption on Response Strength in the Absence of Primary Reinforcement

Abstract

Two experiments were performed to study the relationship of both drive and performance variables to the learning of a response in the absence of primary reinforcement. A procedure approximating that proposed by Zimmerman was utilized to study a bar-pressing response. It was found that the speed of learning of the bar-pressing response was related to previous reinforcement but that reinforcement and discriminative training were not necessary conditions for learning. It was also found that, while drive and an exit response were necessary conditions for learning, they were not necessary to maintain the response once it was established.