Frustration and Elation Effects in Operant Analogues of the Double Runway

Two experiments were carried out to clarify the effects of frustration and elation (reward shift) procedures in an operant analogue of the double runway. In one experiment subjects were prevented from responding in the presence of stimuli associated with reward shift. Comparison of experimental and unshifted control groups provided no evidence for frustration or elation effects under these conditions. This was in agreement with the results of previous studies. In the other experiment responding in the presence of stimuli associated with reward shift (midtrial responding) was possible. In this condition facilitatory effects of frustration obtained both within group and in comparison with unshifted controls. The effect was found only on mid‐trial responding. No reliable effects of elation were found in this case. Results were discussed with reference to Amsel's frustration theory

Audiology · Developmental psychology · Frustration · Operant conditioning · Reinforcement · Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology · Educational and Psychological Assessments · Psychological Treatments and Assessments · Psychology · Social Psychology