Exploratory behavior in response to the spatial rearrangement of familiar stimuli

Abstract

The effects of the spatial rearrangement of familiar stimuli on exploratory behavior were studied in the Mongolian gerbil. Using an open-field situation, Ss were exposed to one or a number of stimuli in a particular spatial relation to each other and to the walls of the container. A rearrangement of these stimuli (or stimulus) subsequently evoked considerably more exploration than did the control treatment. Total locomotion, the number of approaches to stimuli, and the total time spent investigating stimuli were all affected. © 1971, Psychonomic Journals, Inc.. All rights reserved.