Cue properties vs palatability of flavors in avoidance learning

Abstract

When a flavor is immediately followed by peripheral electric shock, rats learn to use the flavor cue to avoid shock, but ingestion of that flavor is not reduced outside the shock apparatus. In contrast, when a flavor is followed by internal illness, rats will reject that fluid in or out of the situation where illness occurred. However, motor approach to visual cues previously associated with that flavor is not immediately affected. Thus flavor, used as a cue, acquires generalization properties depending upon the subsequent reinforcer and reflecting differential specialization in mechanisms controlling palatability and locomotor responses. © 1970, Psychonomic Journals, Inc.. All rights reserved.