148 VINNIE C. HICKS 



time curve is most representative of the learning process. That 

 the time curve actually does represent in some way the factor of 

 error elimination is too obvious for comment. The only debatable 

 point is the assumption that the last three factors noted are 

 essential parts of the total process and should be adequately 

 represented by a learning curve. 



When rats are first introduced into the maze, their behavior is 

 dominated to a large extent by curiosity and timidity; their 

 activity exhibits a random and purposeless character. No asso- 

 ciation has as yet been established between the maze experiences 

 and the satisfaction of hunger. In human terms, the animals 

 have not yet learned that the maze means food and that work 

 will obtain it. After a few trials, the character of their behavior 

 becomes noticeably altered. It is less random and sporadic, and 

 more earnest, purposive and focalized. The transition to eager 

 energy and alertness is very noticeable. The change may be 

 reflected in the error curve, though not very adequately. The 

 random character results in a large number of errors, but the 

 number is not proportionately decreased with the change, inas- 

 much as the eager energy may operate to increase rather than 

 to decrease the errors. Increased speed per unit of distance 

 is the most obvious result of this change of behavior, and time 

 values may be cut in two without any diminution of errors or 

 distance travelled. This aspect of the learning process is re- 

 flected adequately only in the time values, and this fact accounts 

 partly for the rapid decrease of the time curve relative to the 

 error curve during the first few trials. That the formation of 

 this association is a genuine and independent factor of the total 

 problem is axiomatic in character. Without it, the elimination 

 of errors would not occur, and any curve which fails to represent 

 it adequately is false in character. 



After the evident formation of this association as judged by 

 behavior, time is still decreased relative to distance. At first 

 the rat does not dare to run as fast as possible or he would bump 

 into the sides and ends of the alleys. He is forced to run slowly 

 and cautiously through the necessity of keeping in contact with 

 the walls, and sensitively alert to impending corners and other 

 familiar landmarks. Alternating moments of hesitation, periods 

 of slow progress, and periods of sudden bursts of speed are 



