The growth and decay of reactive inhibition as measured by alternation behavior.

Abstract

The expt. measured the tendency of white rats to alternate their choices on a single T-maze. Prior to alternation tests, responses to both sides of the T were given large numbers of reinforcements to build large and equal habit strengths. The percentage of rats alternating in a free choice after 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 forced trials to one side was determined; also, after 10 forced trials and interpolated delay periods of 0, 1/2, 1, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hr. Results: (1) the percentage of rats alternating increased linearly with number of forced trials; (2) alternation percentage decreased as a negatively accelerated function of the length of delay period after 10 forced trials. Alternation percentage was identified theoretically with Hull''s construct reactive inhibition, supported by the fact that equation forms relating alternation percentages to the exptl. variables conformed to theoretical prediction.