The influence of induced affective states on the effectiveness of social and nonsocial reinforcers in an instrumental learning task

Abstract

Social approach and avoidance motivational states were proposed as mediating Byrne’s similarity-attraction relationship. In a 3 by 2 factorial design, three experimentally induced affective states (elation, neutral, and depression) and two types of reinforcers (social reinforcers—positive personal evaluations—and nonsocial reinforcers—$.05) were employed. Analysis of variance indicated that the hypothesized Reinforcer by Affective State interaction was significant in the extinction of a leverpulling response, but not in the acquisition of this response. The performance curves indicated that, whereas a differential magnitude of reward interpretation of affective states is inadequate, a differential drive interpretation is appropriate.