Reinforcing properties of odors for the albino rat

Abstract

Food deprived and satiated rats were tested in a free operant situation to evaluate the behavior directing properties of odors that were either familiar and significant (food) or novel (amyl acetate). Both odors directed behavior but the rate and durability of the reinforcing properties of the stimulus were a function of the animal’s motivational state and previous experience with the stimulus. © 1967, Psychonomic Press. All rights reserved.