Abstract

Trained 3 gerbils in a task involving a choice between 2 keys, one of whichproduced a reward of sunflower seeds if pressed. Determining which of the2 keys (right or left) would yield a reward was completed automatically bya random sequence of holes and spaces on a paper-punch tape. Randombehavior trials (RBTs) were defined to be trials in which the S changed tothe other key from that key on which it had been rewarded in the previoustrial. It was found that the Ss obtained significantly more than thechance number of rewards in both RBTs and non-RBTs. The scoring rate inoverall trials was 52.6%, with RBTs producing a slightly higher scoringrate (55%) than non-RBTs (52%).