The effect of goal box delay and separate delay box delay on pattern running

Abstract

Twenty-two rats were trained in a runway under a single-alternation, partially delayed reward schedule. Delay occurred in the goal box or in a separate distinctive delay chamber. The duration of delay was either 20 or 25 sec on all odd numbered trials in a six-trial-a-day schedule. Ss learned to pattern respond, i.e., run rapidly on immediately rewarded trials and slowly on delayed trials, but only when the delay occurred in the separate delay chamber. The duration of delay had no effect on patterning. The results clarify an apparent contradiction in previously reported research and are discussed in terms of the modified aftereffects hypothesis.