Spatial learning based on the shape of the environment is influenced by properties of the objects forming the shape.
In 3 experiments rats had to find a submerged platform that was located in a corner of a kite-shaped pool. The color of the walls creating this corner provided an additional cue for finding the platform in the shape + color condition but not the shape-only condition. During tests in a pool with walls of a uniform color but no platform, more time was spent in the corner where the platform was originally located after training in the shape + color than in the shape-only condition. The results challenge theories that assume either that learning about the shape of the environment takes place in a dedicated module or that cues compete for the control they acquire over behavior.
Graham
Moira
M
School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Good
Mark A
MA
McGregor
Anthony
A
Pearce
John M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D004777:Environment; D005556:Form Perception; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D013028:Space Perception; D013037:Spatial Behavior