The purpose of the present study was to compare both the amount of exploratory and emotional behaviors and the ability of problem solving by darkreared white rats (Experimental Group) with those by light-reared rats (Control Group). The experimental group of 14 male and 16 female rats have been reared in a dark room for four months from shortly after their birth, whereas the control group of 7 male and 9 female rats have been reared under the condition of normal illumination.
First, the exploratory behavior and emotionality were measured by making use of a 75cm×90cm. closed field exploratory apparatus in which
Ss were run for five minutes. Five measures were recorded : the number of traversed units (15cm square per unit), the frequency of face washing, the ratio of the number of urinated and defecated
Ss. As the results, both the number of traversed units and the ratio score for the urination in dark-reared
Ss were significantly greater than those in light-reared
Ss. Secondly, the experimental group was divided into two sub-groups (I and II) immediately after the exploration and emotionality test. The experimental group I of 7 male and 8 female
Ss were exposed to the light and pattern stimulus during the test period only, whereas the experimental group II of 7 male and 8 female
Ss were reared under the normal condition of illumination immediately after the test in the exploratory apparatus. The control group remained the same as in the initial test. Attempts were made to determine the effects of early visual experience on problem solving and on the behavior at the stimulus change from the rearing condition to the test situations (HEBB-WILLIAMS'S TYPE) Two measures were recorded : the number of traversed units and running time. As the results, the number of traversed units and running time in the experimental group I were significantly greater than those of other two groups. Further, the experimental group I showed greater amounts on these measures to the control group. The effects of stimulus change from the rearing condition to the test situation were more evident than the effects of rearing condition. However, the effects of rearing condition on problem solving ability were also significant.
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