Frustration and fixation

Year Published: 1951

Description: Documents Maier's thesis that frustration leads to fixation and other bizarre symptoms. Shows a modified Lashley jumping apparatus and describes the process of teaching rats to jump. Portrays the successful solution of a soluble problem, and typical frustration responses to insoluble problems: refusal, escape, and stereotyped choice. Frustrated animals finally assigned to soluble problems persist in fixations in spite of open correct doors, and although walking trials demonstrated that they know the correct choice. Includes demonstrations of catatonic and neurotic behavior.