Variáveis Paramétricas da Resolução de Problemas no Procedimento de Deslocamento de Caixa em Rattus Norvegicus: Efeitos de Esquemas de Razão (FR1 e FR2) e de Sequência Alternada e Sucessiva no Treino de Habilidades Pré-Requisito

Abstract

"Insight" is a type of problem solving that occurs suddenly, fluidly and continuously. The literature demonstrates that it occurs through prior learning of behavioral repertoires necessary for resolution. Early experiments with pigeons (Columba livia) were successful in training repertoires separately in a task of moving a box followed by reaching a suspended object. Studies that used rats (Rattus norvegicus) for similar tasks presented methodological difficulties such as: difference in the number of responses emitted from each repertoire and effect of the training order. In order to minimize these problematic factors, the present study tested the use of reinforcement schemes (CRF and FR2) in the training of pushing the cube as well as the use of a mixed skill training. Six rats (Rattus norvegicus) had two trained skills: 1) pushing a cube toward a target; 2) climb on a hub and pull a ring. Two subjects had the ability to "push the cube" held in continuous reinforcement (CRF) in successive sequence, two subjects in fixed ratio 2 (FR2) also successive sequence and two other subjects underwent a mixed training, in which the two skills were trained in the same session, with strengthened responses in CRF. All the subjects solved the problem, but did not present characteristic topography of the type "Insight". The subjects of the CRF group were the ones who emitted the resolution response more times during the final test and in less session time, but did not present a fluid resolution. Contrary to what was expected, the FR2 scheme for "push" training produced a lower rate for this group than the other two. The study concludes that failure to obtain topography insight is linked to the type of task required.