Discrimination by rats of conspecific odors of reward and nonreward

Science. 1970 Feb 6;167(3919):904-5. doi: 10.1126/science.167.3919.904.

Abstract

The hypothesis that, after receiving reward and nonreward, rats excrete differential odors perceptible to other rats was tested by making the correct turn in a T-maze contingent on discrimination of any such odors. Clear evidence for an "odor of nonreward or frustration" was obtained, and there was the suggestion of a transistory odor after early reward trials.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Discrimination Learning*
  • Frustration
  • Odorants*
  • Rats
  • Reward*