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Effects of drugs that may
affect impulsivity or memory processes on behaviour maintained
by a multiple fixed-consecutive-number schedule of reinforcement. The fixed consecutive number schedule of reinforcement has been suggested as useful in the evaluation of substances that might affect short-term memory or, alternatively, impulsivity and switching behaviour. In the present study, lever pressing by rats was reinforced on a multiple schedule. Food was delivered if at least a fixed consecutive number of 8 responses were made on a designated lever followed by a single press on the other lever. In one component, the currently correct lever was signalled by a light, while in the other component no such signal was available. Following extended training, performance was under schedule control in both components. Rats were then tested following i.p. injections of saline or chlordiazepoxide, propranolol, atropine sulphate, or physostigmine. Results are related to previous findings with rats and mice, and the likely involvement of switching mechanisms and memory processes is discussed. Keywords: reinforcement schedule, memory, impulsivity, rats. |
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