Retention of massed vs distributed response-prevention treatments in rats and a revised training procedure.
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.
Martasian
P J
PJ
Department-Larsen Hall, University of Redlands, CA 92373-0999.
Smith
N F
NF
Neill
S A
SA
Rieg
T S
TS
D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D004597:Electroshock; D004924:Escape Reaction; D005239:Fear; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D051381:Rats; D012153:Retention, Psychology