title: Context preexposure influences the effectiveness of feedback stimuli in avoidance learning.
abstract: According to the effective reinforcement theory of avoidance learning, there is a positive relationship between the level of context fear and the effectiveness of feedback stimuli. The present research used different preexposure treatments to manipulate context fear and to evaluate the effects of feedback stimuli in two-way avoidance learning. Rat subjects received nonreinforced preexposure either to the nonvisual context cues (avoidance apparatus with the houselights extinguished), to the visual context cues (avoidance apparatus with the houselights on but with a Plexiglas floor covering the grids), or to a neutral box. During subsequent avoidance training conditioned stimulus termination was delayed for 5s after an instrumental response and either a flashing light or darkness was presented as a feedback stimulus. Without preexposure, darkness produced better avoidance performance than did the flashing light. Preexposure to the visual context cues decreased the effectiveness of darkness as a feedback stimulus. However, preexposure to either the visual or to the nonvisual context cues facilitated avoidance performance when a flashing light was used as a feedback stimulus. The results suggest that the effects of a feedback stimulus may be dependent upon the amount and source of context fear.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina Aiken, Aiken, SC 29801, USA. edc@usca.edu
authors.forename: Edward J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Callen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D004777:Environment; D005239:Fear; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats