Differential use of food and water cues in the formation of conditioned aversions by domestic chicks (Gallus gallus).

The differential use of cues in the formation of conditioned aversions to food and water by domestic chicks was examined. Aversions were more readily demonstrated to red food than to red water, and taste was found to be an adequate cue with water but not with food (Experiments 1-5). It is suggested that such asymmetry mitigates the usefulness of the concept of "belongingness" and can more profitably be viewed as a function of the particular response topographies adopted with respect to food and water. The sixth experiment demonstrated that aversions for colored water could be readily demonstrated when the response topography for drinking was manipulated to ensure the utility of visual cues in selecting fluids. These findings are discussed with respect to a general process approach to conditioned aversion learning.