Pattern running to differential reinforcement

Rats were trained in a straight alley runway to run for large vs small reward (16 vs 1 pellet) and intermediate vs small reward (4 vs 1 pellet) on alternate trials. Both groups produced pattern running (faster running speeds to the larger reward magnitude). Pattern running occurred after fewer trials for the 16 vs 1 pellet Ss. Additional Ss experienced 4 vs 1 pellet in a two-way straight alley runway (4 and 1 pellets were alternated and a given running direction was associated with a given reward magnitude). The exteroceptive cues in two-directional running produced pattern running after fewer trials than the conventional (one-way) pattern running situation. A transfer task that produced exteroceptive cues (two-way running) did not lead to more rapid acquisition of pattern running in the conventional one-way situation. In fact, Ss maintained on the 1 vs 4 pellet (one-way) task showed evidence for pattern running after fewer trials than Ss that experienced the transfer task.