Olds & Milner (1954) Positive Reinforcement Produced by Electrical Stimulation (Edexcel A-Level Psychology): Flashcards
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Olds & Milner (1954) aim
Olds & Milner (1954) aim
Explore if electrical brain stimulation = positive reinforcement
Olds & Milner participants
Olds & Milner participants
15 male hooded rats, ~250g each
Apparatus in Olds & Milner
Apparatus in Olds & Milner
Operant conditioning chamber (Skinner box)
Voltage range used
Voltage range used
0.5 to 5 volts
Brain area with highest response rate
Brain area with highest response rate
Septal area (forebrain)
Septal area acquisition response %
Septal area acquisition response %
75-92% of time
Olds & Milner main conclusion
Olds & Milner main conclusion
Specific reward centre exists in brain, esp. septal area
Strength: internal validity
Strength: internal validity
Controlled lab; only electrical stimulus as reinforcement
Weakness: ecological validity
Weakness: ecological validity
Highly unnatural conditions for rats (wires, shocks)
Application of findings
Application of findings
Deep brain stimulation for depression & pain management