Abstract
Two experiments allowed rats to drink freely two neutral flavors (almond and vanilla) in simultaneous compound with two hedonically valued flavors (quinine and saccharin). The neutral flavor previously paired with saccharin was subsequently preferred. The neutral flavor that had been paired with quinine was subsequently avoided. Experiment 3 found similar results when the animals were hand-fed a preset amount of the solution. Preference shifts were not obtained when differential amounts of the neutral flavors were consumed in isolation. The data indicate that flavor-flavor associations can shift taste preferences.
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Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted at RPI by the second author under the direction of the first author. Experiments 3, 4, and 5 were conducted by the first author at Dartmouth College. This research was in part supported by an award made by the Faculty Research Committee of Dartmouth College.
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Fanselow, M.S., Birk, J. Flavor-flavor associations induce hedonic shifts in taste preference. Animal Learning & Behavior 10, 223–228 (1982). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03212274
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03212274