AN INCENTIVE MODEL OF REWARDING BRAIN STIMULATION

Early data and theories suggested that the properties of rewarding electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) differ from those of natural rewards, e.g., food or water. It is contended here that such differences are solely due to differences in deprivation and training conditions, rather than to inherent differences in the rewards. Therefore, it is proposed that ESB has the same properties as other rewards and that its motivational properties are inherent in its reinforcement properties in the form of incentive motivation, rather than in the induction of drive energization. Data testing the model are reviewed and are found to support the incentive position. It is further suggested that to the extent that brain stimulation can maintain behavior in the absence of deprivation the laws for incentive independent of deprivation conditions can be found using brain stimulation. (4 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.