FOLLOWING DURING IMPRINTING AS A FUNCTION OF AUDITORY STIMULUS INTENSITY

160 day-old chicks were imprinted for 12 min. to a silent moving model or to the model emitting repetitive taps at 1 of 7 different intensities. Levels of intensity above ambient noise (51 1 db.) included 55, 65, ... 95 db. of signal-puls-noise sound pressure levels. 2 lower intensities were 10 and 20 db. signal reductions from 55 db. The following related to sound intensity in an approximately normal manner, with moderate intensities (55-75 db.) producing substantially greater following than either lower or higher intensities. Findings were related to Scheirla's developmental theory of approach and withdrawal processes, which views stimulus intensity as an arousal stimulus. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.