MOTIVATION AND RESPONSE STRENGTH IN PASSIVE AVOIDANCE DEFICITS OF SEPTAL LESIONED RAT

In Experiment I, septal lesions led to clear increases in water intake and in frequency of approach to water, yet did not increase the number of mouth shocks accepted in a water-shock conflict situation. Food intake did not increase so that the food/water intake ratio was 0.42 compared to the control ratio of 0.51. In Experiment II, lesioned animals did not perform active avoidance more frequently or rapidly than control animals, but accepted more shocks during extinction with punishment. Lesions did not alter righting responses or ability to cling. In Experiment III, septal lesioned rats did not drink more water or approach water faster when compared to control or cingulate lesioned rats, yet approached water faster than controls after being shocked while drinking. Although septal lesions may increase motivation and response strength such increases are not necessary for the demonstration of passive avoidance deficits. © 1969.