title: Retention of massed vs distributed response-prevention treatments in rats and a revised training procedure.
abstract: Two experiments were conducted to estimate the retention of response-prevention effects using massed vs distributed treatments in a model of animal avoidance-learning. In Exp. I, 120 rats were trained to avoid shock in a one-way platform avoidance apparatus. Groups received response-prevention treatment or nontreatment in a 36-min. massed session or in several sessions distributed over a four-day period. In Exp. II, 160 rats were given two trials of escape training in a one-way shuttle box. Groups received response-prevention treatment or nontreatment in a 24-min. session of massed or distributed treatments delivered in one day. Subjects in both studies were tested using a passive-avoidance paradigm immediately following treatment, 24 hours later, and 30 days later. Analysis showed that response-prevention treatments were effective in reducing avoidance behavior and there were no significant differences in retention of avoidance associated with massed vs distributed response-prevention treatments. Implications for animals and humans are discussed, and researchers are encouraged to change from a criterion training procedure to an escape procedure since the latter is a closer analogue to the human condition.
authors.affiliation: Department-Larsen Hall, University of Redlands, CA 92373-0999.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Martasian
authors.forename: N F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Neill
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Rieg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D004597:Electroshock; D004924:Escape Reaction; D005239:Fear; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D051381:Rats; D012153:Retention, Psychology