2 research outputs found
Reward devaluation disrupts latent inhibition in fear conditioning
Three experiments explored the link between
reward shifts and latent inhibition (LI). Using consummatory
procedures, rewards were either downshifted
from 32% to 4% sucrose (Experiments 1–2), or
upshifted from 4% to 32% sucrose (Experiment 3). In
both cases, appropriate unshifted controls were also included.
LI was implemented in terms of fear conditioning
involving a single tone-shock pairing after extensive
tone-only preexposure. Nonpreexposed controls were also
included. Experiment 1 demonstrated a typical LI effect
(i.e., disruption of fear conditioning after preexposure to the
tone) in animals previously exposed only to 4% sucrose.
However, the LI effect was eliminated by preexposure to a
32%-to-4% sucrose devaluation. Experiment 2 replicated
this effect when the LI protocol was administered immediately
after the reward devaluation event. However, LI was
restored when preexposure was administered after a 60-
min retention interval. Finally, Experiment 3 showed that
a reward upshift did not affect LI. These results point to a
significant role of negative emotion related to reward devaluation
in the enhancement of stimulus processing despite
extensive nonreinforced preexposure experience