Date of Award
4-1973
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Frederick P. Gault
Second Advisor
Dr. Arther G. Snapper
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The effect of the previous history of a single unit on its present firing pattern was studied using classical and operant conditioning. The units were in area 18a of the rat's cortex. It was found that there are polymodal units in that area. The firing pattern can be changed using classical conditioning. The rate of firing can be increased one standard deviation above the mean rate by reinforcing with brain stimulation. The rate can also be changed one standard deviation below the mean rate. This occurs when the trials come at a fixed time and when the trials come at a variable time. The effect, however, is more noticeable when the trials occur at a fixed time.
Recommended Citation
Butler, Francis E., "Operant and Classical Conditioning of Single Units in Area 18a of the Rat’s Cortex" (1973). Masters Theses. 2649.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/2649