Generalization of conditioned suppression after differential training

Abstract

In a modified conditioned suppression procedure, clicks at one frequency (danger signal) preceded shocks, while no shocks followed clicks at a different frequency (safe signal). During generalization tests, the maximal response rate was frequently shifted from the safe signal in the direction away from the danger signal, and the minimal response rate was frequently shifted in the opposite direction, away from the safe signal. There was considerable variability in the results from one animal to another. The generalization tests also suggested different generalization functions according to whether the danger signal was a lower or a higher frequency than the safe signal. The results also showed the development of systematic differences in response rate during and after the safe and danger signals, notably a relatively high rate at the beginning of the safe signal and after the danger signal.