Effect of retraining trials on memory consolidation in weakly reinforced learning.
Day-old chicks given a single weakly reinforced (20% v/v methyl anthranilate in absolute ethanol) passive avoidance learning trial showed no evidence of long-term memory. A second learning trial given at 15 minutes after initial resulted in consolidation of the learning experience into long-term memory. The retention function resulting from two learning trials is similar to that observed with a single strongly reinforced learning trial, and consists of the stages postulated by Gibbs and Ng. With a dilution of 10% methyl anthranilate in ethanol, four training trials were needed to yield unequivocal evidence of long-term memory consolidation.
Crowe
S F
SF
Department of Psychology, Latrobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
Ng
K T
KT
Gibbs
M E
ME
D019297:2,4-Dinitrophenol; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D002645:Chickens; D004140:Dinitrophenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004140:Dinitrophenols; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates; C038892:methyl anthranilate; D019297:2,4-Dinitrophenol