Illumination preference of albino rats in a tilt box as a function of age and illumination intensity.

Abstract

54 rats were tested for preference at 3 intensities (.01, 1.0, and 10.0 ft-c.) at 3 ages (30, 78, and 142 days). Results show that (a) age has no effect on either illumination preference or number of crossings in the tilt box; (b) darkness is preferred over 1.0 and 10.0 ft-c., but about equally preferred to .01 ft-c. The findings are discussed in terms of the reinforcing effect of stimulus change.