Control over Sensory Change versus Sensory State Preference in Sensory Contingent Bar Pressing

Sixteen rats selected as high responders in a sensory contingent bar pressing situation, were studied when they had free access to four different sensory states. The experimental procedure allowed choices (entries into states) and preferences (as reflected by time spent in states) to be measured simultaneously. Although clear and consistent preferences were observed, they proved to be a relatively weak predictor of choice behaviour. Implications for theories of choice were discussed and the results were interpreted in accordance with the hypothesis that control over the environment has motivational and reinforcing properties.