Motivational Properties of Nonreward: A) Frustration Effect and Change of Stimulus Conditions B) Response Decrement and Change of Stimulus Conditions

Abstract

This study attempted to test! 1) an alternative interpretation of Amsel frustration effect and, 2) the possibility of extending Bindra’s novelty theory. Sixty-eight children were trained to pull two successive levers. During training two groups, 100:50 and 100:100, were always rewarded at the first goal box (G1) whereas two other groups, 0:50 and 0:0, were never rewarded at G1. During testing groups 100:50 and 0:50 were given 50% reward at G1 while groups 100:100 and 0:0 were respectively always rewarded and never rewarded at G1. All subjects were always rewarded at G2 both during training anti testing. The data did not yield the typical frustration effect which rendered the alternative interpretation un-testable. The data offered supportive evidence for Bindra’s novelty theory.