Title:10 words

Abstract:191 words

purpose

groups

results

2nd exp purpose results

discussion data new concept

variablesrelationship

Place navigation requires access to distal but not proximal cues

Previous studies suggest that rats use distal (extra-maze) cues to navigate spatial mazes. However, proximal (intra-maze) cues are often present and may help guide spatial behavior. The present study introduces a new spatial maze paradigm that minimizes the potential use of proximal cues. In the first experiment, a 2 x 2 design (cue type x goal placement) was used to compare escape performance (DV) in the presence of proximal versus distal cues with a goal platform located at a fixed versus randomly placed location in a large circular pool of opaque water. In the second experiment, three groups were tested using novel start locations to determine whether behavior was guided by angular relations or distal cues. The results show that rats learn the ‘place’ of the goal platform using the relations among distal cues without the presence of local cues or when a stable angular trajectory from start to goal is possible. These results support the cognitive mapping theory of spatial navigation. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether the underlying neural substrate of such place navigation is the hippocampus, as recently suggested by O’Keefe & Nadel (1978).

Title:10 words

Abstract:190 words

purpose background problem

1st exp design groups variables

results

2nd exp purpose groups

discussion interpretation theory next study

variables

Method subjects apparatus procedure

Experiment 1

Groups: 1) cue + place, 2) place, 3) cue only, 4) place-random

visible(proximal)

hidden(distal)

fixed cue + place place

random cue only place-random

Platform type

Plat

form

plac

emen

t

Escape Acquisition

Escape acquisition swim paths

Test A: probe test

Test B: platform moved to opposite quadrant

Experiment 2

All groups – 15 trials (W start pt. platform NW quad.)Groups: 1) same-place, 2) new-place, 3) control

W

NW

All rats: 15 trials

same-place new-place

control

Experiment 2 results

First trial of group test