The effects of differential goalbox reward and reward shifts on the frustration effect

Abstract

To determine whether incomplete reward reduction and reward increment would influence the "frustration effect" (FE) in double alleyway, rats were given 153 trials with 50% partial reward in Goalbox 1 with 4 or 12 pellets in Goalbox 1 and 4 or 12 pellets in Goalbox 2. On trials 106-153, the postshift phase, half of the rats in each group were shifted to a reward magnitude opposite to that previously received in Goalbox 1. During preshift, Alley 1 start and running speeds were inversely related to Goalbox 2 reward magnitude. The size of the FE was directly related to Goalbox 1 and Goalbox 2 reward magnitude. During postshift, Alley 1 running were inversely related to preshift Goalbox 1 reward magnitude. The size of the FE was directly related to Goalbox 1 and Goalbox 2 reward magnitude. The results were discussed in terms of Amsel's theory of frustration.