Abstract
A series of experiments (Jacobs & LoLordo, 1977, 1980) demonstrated that light onset is an ineffective conditioned aversive stimulus in Sidman avoidance. Jacobs & LoLordo concluded that light is therefore a poor warning signal in avoidance learning. In the present study, rats were given shuttle avoidance training with either a noise or a light warning signal. Acquisition of the avoidance response was comparable in all groups. This suggests that light and noise stimuli are equally effective warning signals. The implications of these results for models of avoidance learning are discussed.
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Cicala, G.A., Azorlosa, J.L. Light is an effective warning signal in avoidance learning. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 22, 70–72 (1984). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03333764
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03333764