Discriminação Simples e Respostas Emocionais em Ratos com Diferentes Contingências (Extinção e Punição)

Abstract

The literature demonstrates that punishment in SΔ can accelerate the acquisition of simple discrimination compared to extinction. However, authors such as Skinner and Sidman warn of harmful emotional byproducts and the deterioration of long-term performance with the use of aversive control. The present study compared the efficacy and the byproducts of aversive control during the acquisition and maintenance of a simple discrimination, using Hot Air Blast (HAB) in SΔ as a punisher. Twelve Wistar rats were distributed into the Extinction Group (GEXT) and the Punishment Group (GHAB), and were subjected to an eight-phase procedure, including Discriminative Training, Maintenance, and evaluation of emotionality in the Open Field and emotional responses through an Ethogram. The results demonstrated the superiority of the GHAB in acquisition (mean of 3.6 sessions) and in the maintenance of the same performance, which remained stable with a high Discriminative Index (DI), while the GEXT showed instability and a drop in DI. The Ethogram analysis revealed that emotional responses such as Startle and Locomotion, elicited by the HAB, acted as concurrent responses to the RPB (Reinforced Response) in SΔ, facilitating suppression and, consequently, the acquisition and maintenance of discrimination. It was concluded that, in the present context, the behavioral byproducts of punishment (HAB) did not deteriorate the repertoire but, on the contrary, aided in the stability and accuracy of performance, thus contradicting the generic proposition made by Sidman and Skinner.