Memory formation processes in weakly reinforced learning.
Day-old chicks trained on a single-trail passive avoidance learning task, with varying concentrations of the aversive stimulus (methyl anthranilate), truncated retention functions for low concentrations. The retention function for a 20% v/v dilution of methyl anthranilate in absolute ethanol yielded high retention levels until approximately 40 to 45 minutes following learning. This retention function appears to consist of only the short-term and intermediate (phase A) memory stages of Gibbs and Ng's three-stage model of memory formation, with the short-term stage susceptible to inhibition by monosodium glutamate, and the intermediate stage by ouabain and dinitrophenol. The results suggest that processing of memory into the relatively permanent long-term stage may depend on the strength of the reinforcer in aversive learning.
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 / Q000187:drug effects*; D002645:Chickens; D004140:Dinitrophenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005971:Glutamates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000187:drug effects*; D012970:Sodium Glutamate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004140:Dinitrophenols; D005971:Glutamates; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates; D010042:Ouabain; C038892:methyl anthranilate; D019297:2,4-Dinitrophenol; D012970:Sodium Glutamate