Spatial learning based on the shape of the environment is influenced by properties of the objects forming the shape. |
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Authors: | Graham, Moira Good, Mark A. McGregor, Anthony Pearce, John M. |
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Abstract: | 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. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) |
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Keywords: | spatial learning overshadowing potentiation geometric module rats environment shape color |
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