title: Effects of early undernutrition on motivation and discrimination learning in rats.
abstract: Offspring were either adequately nourished or undernourished during the suckling period. They had free access to food from weaning, and were given 2 behavioral tests between 13 and 19 weeks of age. Motivation for water was tested on a variable interval (VI) schedule at 3 levels of deprivation and a test of light-dark discrimination made at 23.5 hr of water deprivation. The results indicated (1) no clear difference in VI response rate, but (2) significant differences in discrimination performance between the 2 groups. A learning ability or certain relevant abilities rather than motivation for water appeared responsible for the difference in discrimination learning.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D004326:Drinking; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000523:psychology*; D051381:Rats; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule