Contextual Conditioning Protocol Summaries

Mag Train:

A magazine training program for a Pavlovian Variable Interval schedule.

Program dispenses a pellet every 10 seconds for 18 minutes. Keeps track of the number of pellets dispensed and the number of presses on the lever.

Program ends when either the session time or the maximum number of pellets has been reached.

 

Bar Press Shape:

Starts off by running a Continuous Reinforcement (CRF) schedule where every response on the Lever is rewarded.

 

To change schedules, issue a:

K2 pulse for Variable Interval-30

K3 pulse for Variable Interval-60

K4 pulse for Variable Interval-90

K1 pulse for CRF

 

VI-90 Training:

VI-90 schedule with fear conditioning to a 60 second Tone. The trial starts with an ITI and it counts responses for 60 seconds in the pre-stimulus period. The program then turns on the tone and it counts responses for 60 seconds in the stimulus period. After the 60 second tone finishes the animal receives a 500 ms shock.

The animal is rewarded on a VI-90 schedule that runs independent of the Tone stimulus.

 

VI-90 Test:

VI-90 schedule with fear conditioning to a 60 second Tone. The trial starts with an ITI and counts responses for 60 seconds in the pre-stimulus period. The program then turns on the tone and counts responses for 60 seconds in the stimulus period. Animal receives no shock

The animal is rewarded on a VI-90 schedule that runs independent of the tone stimulus.

 

Pavlovian Variable Interval:

Program for a Pavlovian Variable Interval Schedule.

The trial starts with an ITI, and counts responses for 10 seconds in the pre-stimulus period. The program then turns on the tone and it counts responses for 10 seconds in the stimulus period. The animal is rewarded in every other trial.