Blocking of spatial control by landmarks in rats

Behav Processes. 2009 May;81(1):114-8. doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2009.02.007. Epub 2009 Mar 6.

Abstract

We investigated spatial blocking among landmarks in an open-field foraging task in rats. In Phase 1, rats were presented with A+ trials during which landmark (LM) A signaled the location of hidden food. In Phase 2, rats were given AX+ trials in which LM X served as a redundant spatial cue to the location of food. Additionally, BY+ trials were given as a within-subjects overshadowing-control procedure. At test, rats received nonreinforced presentations of LM X and LM Y on separate trials. Rats took longer to find the training goal location in the presence of LM X than of LM Y, thereby demonstrating that spatial control by LM X was blocked by prior learning with LM A. This constitutes the first evidence in rats for spatial blocking of one proximal landmark by another-approximating a conventional blocking design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Association Learning*
  • Cues*
  • Female
  • Maze Learning
  • Rats / psychology*
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Space Perception*
  • Spatial Behavior*
  • Time Factors