The Effect of Illumination Conditions on the Effectiveness of Light‐onset as a Reinforcer
A Test of the Bevan‐adamson Reinforcement Theory
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9619312 |
|---|---|
| Authors | HARRY M B HURWITZ (Birkbeck, University of London, corresponding author) |
| Year | 1960 |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 341-346 |
| Publication date | 1960-11-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | British Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0007-1269 • E-ISSN: 2044-8295 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.2044-8295.1960.tb00757.x |
| PMID | 13716984 |
| OpenAlex | W1999871458 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
An experiment was performed to test a deduction from the Bevan‐Adamson theory of reinforcement, namely, that the reinforcing effectiveness of a stimulus (light‐onset) is dependent on the adaptation to background stimuli and an internal referent. Two groups of hooded rats (five in each group) were given seven half‐hour operant sessions in a dark and an illuminated box, respectively. A measure of the frequency of bar pressing and exploration of a copper screen was taken. The groups were then given fourteen sessions in a dark box, bar pressing resulting in light‐onset. The results showed that the bar pressing rate for the dark operant‐tested subjects was significantly higher than for subjects operant‐tested in an illuminated box. These results appear to be in accordance with the Bevan‐Adamson theory
Audiology · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Operant conditioning · Referent · Reinforcement · Stimulus (psychology) · Color perception and design · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology
| Citations per year | 0.05 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 1963 - 1964 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |