Dictionary of Biological Psychology
A term used to described a behavioural testing paradigm in which animals are taught to discriminate the internal stimulus properties of a DRUG. In this paradigm, the subject is taught to make a particular response (for example, press the right lever) when in one drugged state and to make another (press the left lever) when in the non-drugged state. Thus, the drug itself acts as a DISCRIMINATIVE CUE.
With repeated training, animals can make quite accurate assessments of drug and non-drug states. This test is often used to assess the properties, both neurochemical and behavioural, of novel drugs. The novel compound is assessed for its ability to generalize or substitute for the training drug. The procedure can also be useful for evaluating a compound’s neurochemical action.
See also: stimulus generalization
ANN E.KELLEY
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