Unsuccessful reinforcement of a discrete action in paramecia, P. caudatum.
Previous research into the possibility of learning in paramecium in this laboratory has shown that these organisms can learn to remain in a specific location based on cathode shock reinforcement. The present experiment was designed to assess whether paramecium could learn a discrete action as opposed to remaining in a specific area, using cathode shock as a reinforcer. Results for a sample of 40 indicate that such learning did not take place. It is possible that the learning of discrete actions requires a nervous system.
Mingee
Catherine M
CM
University of Toledo, Department of Psychology, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. catherine.mingee@rockets.utoledo.edu
Armus
Harvard L
HL
D000818:Animals; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D004597:Electroshock; D004924:Escape Reaction; D048488:Paramecium caudatum; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology