An assessment of response, direction and place learning by rats in a water t-maze

Whyte, Jacqueline T. (Jacqueline Theresa) (2009) An assessment of response, direction and place learning by rats in a water t-maze. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Behavioural data suggest that distinguishable orientations may be necessary for place learning even when distal cues define different start points in the room and a unique goal location. I examined whether changes in orientation are also important in place learning and navigation in a water T-maze. In Experiment 1, rats were trained to locate a hidden platform and given a no-platform probe trial after 16 and 64 trials with the maze moved to a new position. Direction and response strategies were more prevalent than a place strategy. In Experiment 2, acquisition of place, response, and direction strategies was assessed in a water T-maze that was moved between two locations during training. Rats were impaired on the place task when the maze was translated (moved to the L or R) but were successful when the maze was rotated across trials. These data are consistent with findings from appetitive tasks.

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