Cognitive Dissonance in Rats - Dominic Dwyer

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Annedonic rats will have a lower lick cluster

Question 2

Procedure 1 and Result 1

Answer 2

• Dep Rats (WKY) vs controls, half were stressed and not. Accumulation of stress
• Testing sucrose consumption

Results:
- Stress animals consume less than non-stressed in the control
- WKY Rats show the same pattern, but drinks less totally.
- WKY Rats show no preference to sucrose, think of it as equivalent to other liquids

Question 3

Procedure 2 and Results

Answer 3

• Idea of effort justification: rat that presses 50 times are more likely to enjoy it
• 4 conditions: high effort working and not, low effort working and not. (Time/Work separated)

Results:
- Lick cluster size difference between high/low effort is greater in the working condition than the No working condition

Question 4

Contrast of Procedure 2

Answer 4

• Those who are working hard for it, are emotionally distressed as they have to press a lever.
• In comparison, eating sucrose is a good way to cheer someone up, making them eat and enjoy it more.

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

ADD LATER

Question 6

Limitations

Answer 6

• Lick cluster does not mean happiness
• Lower consumption does not mean depression, stress can make them fuller quicker
• Anhedonia is one symptom of depression
• Generalisability
• Unnecessary to study further

Question 7

Positives

Answer 7

• Inter observer reliability
• Checking feelings, not testing memory
• Licks measured electronically

Question 8

Implications

Answer 8

• Amnesia patients can make use of this
• Humans also perform simple behaviours