title: An analysis of response, direction, and place learning in an open field and T maze.
abstract: Rats were trained to locate food in a response, direction, or place problem on an open field located at 2 positions. In Experiment 1, both the response and direction groups solved the problem. The place group failed to solve the task in approximately 300 trials. Experiment 2 demonstrated that rats need distinguishable start points to solve a place problem when neither a response nor a direction solution is available. Findings from Experiment 3 suggest that a combination of path traveled and distinct cues help to differentiate start points. Experiment 4 replicated the findings using a T maze. These results suggest "place" solutions are difficult for rats. The data are discussed with respect to conditional learning and modern spatial mapping theory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada. skinner@play.psych.mun.ca
authors.forename: Darlene M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Cheryl M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Etchegary
authors.forename: Elysia C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Ekert-Maret
authors.forename: Colleen J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Carolyn W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Harley
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Gerard M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001245:Association Learning; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D003463:Cues; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning; D009949:Orientation; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D013028:Space Perception; D013037:Spatial Behavior