Effect of Variable Reward Conditions on T-Maze Acquisition and Extinction in Rats

Abstract

Reward conditions for a correct response were varied for 4 groups of rats in a T maze. Group 3–3 received 3 pellets for every correct response. Group 4–2 received 4 pellets for 50% of the correct responses and 2 pellets for the other 50%. Groups 4–0 and 2–0 received 4 and 2 pellets respectively for 50% of the correct responses and nothing for the other 50%. Acquisition performance was equal for Groups 4–2 and 3–3 and was better for Group 4–0 than for Group 2–0. In extinction Groups 4–2, 4–0, and 2–0 were more persistent than Group 3–3.