Spatial learning based on the shape of the environment is influenced by properties of the objects forming the shape.

Graham, M.; Good, M.A.; McGregor, A.; Pearce, J.M.

Abstract

In 3 experiments rats had to find a submerged platform that was located in a corner of a kite-shaped pool. The color of the walls creating this corner provided an additional cue for finding the platform in the shape + color condition but not the shape-only condition. During tests in a pool with walls of a uniform color but no platform, more time was spent in the corner where the platform was originally located after training in the shape + color than in the shape-only condition. The results challenge theories that assume either that learning about the shape of the environment takes place in a dedicated module or that cues compete for the control they acquire over behavior.

Citation

Graham, M., Good, M., McGregor, A., & Pearce, J. (2006). Spatial learning based on the shape of the environment is influenced by properties of the objects forming the shape. Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes, 32(1), 44-59. https://doi.org/10.1037/0097-7403.32.1.44

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2006-01
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes
• Print ISSN: 0097-7403
• Electronic ISSN: 1939-2184
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 44-59
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0097-7403.32.1.44
• Keywords: Spatial learning, Overshadowing, Potentiation, Geometric module.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1548275