THE DELAYED REACTION IN CATS 93 



TABLE II 



Cats Tested on Sound 



Number Per cent 



Number Number Per cent correct of correct of 

 Cat of trials correct correct last 50 last 50 



Bess 180 123 68 43 86 



Phil 70 44 63 37 74 



Kitty 110 68 61 32 64 



Judy 40 26 65 



These results indicate, first, that the cats of each set learned 

 the association readily. The learning curve would appear short 

 and steep. And, second, they indicate that it is more difficult 

 to maintain a high efficiency in set B than in set A. This is 

 indicated by the fact that, while Bess and Phil, both of set B, 

 made 86% and 74% respectively correct in the last 50 trials, 

 Bobby and J m, of set A, made 94% and 99%. 



Although the differences of results, as given in the tables 

 above, are not conclusive, the experimenter is of the opinion 

 that the sound tests present the more difficult problem. These 

 variations may well be explained on the basis of individual 

 differences, but it is to be noted that the animals tested on light 

 have the better records. This probable increase in difficulty in 

 the sound tests is due, no doubt, to the timidity on the part 

 of the cats when approaching the sound. The records show, as 

 is indicated in the next paragraph, that the cats were for some 

 time rather frightened by the sound of the buzzers. This caused 

 an increase in the number of errors and so a decrease in the 

 percentage of correct reactions. Before a definite conclusion can 

 be reached a sufficient number of cats, to eliminate errors from 

 individual variations, must be tested. 



Observations of the behavior of the animals during the learn- 

 ing period on sound, which were recorded from day to day, 

 suggest several smaller divisions. (1) A period of disregard. 

 My notes read, " Bess appears to give no attention to the buz- 

 zer," and, again, the next day, " Bess walks about freely with- 

 out noticing the buzzer." (2) A period of disturbance. This 

 period may be characterized by a behavior whic i may be termed 

 " awareness " or " worry." The cat stops, turns head, looks, 

 and calls as if in danger. This note is recorded, " Bess dislikes 

 to go to the sound. She appears shy and afraid of the buzzer. 

 She will venture to the door, stop, and squat; look up at the buz- 



