Spatial memory in alcohol-dependent subjects: using a push-button maze to test the principle of equiavailability.
The principle of equiavailability states that once the locations in a spatial array are learned, then all locations in the array are simultaneously available in memory (Levine, Jankovic, & Palij, 1982). To test the application of this principle, 21 nonamnesic, alcohol-dependent, male subjects and 20 demographic and ability-matched male control subjects were required to learn a series of push-button maze paths and to perform shortcut or retrace movements on the paths. The results for the control subjects conformed to the principle of equiavailability. In contrast, the alcohol-dependent subjects did not show equiavailability. This pattern of results is interpreted as evidence of a spatial memory deficit in the alcohol-dependent subjects.
Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Bowden
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McCarter
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003210:Concept Formation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009949:Orientation; D011340:Problem Solving; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012153:Retention, Psychology