Transfer of spatial behavior between different environments: Implications for theories of spatial learning and for the role of the hippocampus in spatial learning

Pearce, J.M.; Good, M.A.; Jones, P.M.; McGregor, A.

Abstract

In 3 experiments, rats were required to find a submerged platform located in 1 corner of an arena that had 2 long and 2 short sides; they were then trained to find the platform in a new arena that also had 2 long and 2 short sides but a different overall shape. The platform in the new arena was easier to find if it was in a corner that was geometrically equivalent, rather than the mirror image, of the corner where it had previously been located. The final experiment revealed that hippocampal lesions impaired rats' ability to find the platform in these arenas. The results suggest that rats did not use the overall shape of the arena to locate the platform but relied on more local cues and that the hippocampus plays a role in navigation based on these cues.

Citation

Pearce, J., Good, M., Jones, P., & McGregor, A. (2004). Transfer of spatial behavior between different environments: Implications for theories of spatial learning and for the role of the hippocampus in spatial learning. Journal of experimental psychology. Animal behavior processes, 30(2), 135-147. https://doi.org/10.1037/0097-7403.30.2.135

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2004-04
• Deposit Date: Jan 26, 2009
• 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: 30
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 135-147
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0097-7403.30.2.135
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1581099
• Publisher URL: http://content.apa.org/journals/xan/30/2/135