Motivational Effects of Stimuli Paired with Buildup of the Thirst Drive

Abstract

Albino rats were adapted to a distinctive conditioning environment over a 4-day period and were then divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group experienced 23 hr. of water privation in the conditioning environment on each of 14 successive days. The control group experienced only the first ½ hr. of privation in the conditioning environment and spent the rest of each privation period in a control environment. During subsequent tests in the conditioning environment, with Ss satiated, the experimental Ss consumed significantly more water than the control Ss. A replication produced similar results and indicated that the effect could be mediated by general, as well as specific, characteristics of the conditioning environment. The relation of the results to the conditioned drive hypothesis is discussed, and the direction of continuing research is indicated.