Abstract
In four experiments, rats' preferences for flavors consumed under high deprivation versus low deprivation were measured. In Experiment 1, rats preferred flavors received in unsweetened food under high deprivation to flavors received in unsweetened food under low deprivation. This preference did not vary with amount of food used to deliver the flavors (1-g vs. 16-g wet mash). Sweetening the food (0.10% saccharin) eliminated this preference when 16 g of mash was received, but not when 1 g of mash was received (Experiments 2 and 3). Sweetening the mash even more (0.15% saccharin) eliminated the preference when 1 g of mash was received, as well as when 20 g of mash was received. We suggested that the reinforcing value of sweetness is reduced by increasing deprivation level.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 361-368 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Animal Learning & Behavior |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1991 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Animal Science and Zoology
- General Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience