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Successive odor matching- and non-matching-to-sample in rats: A reversal design.

Authors :
Bruce K
Dyer K
Mathews M
Nealley C
Phasukkan T
Prichard A
Galizio M
Source :
Behavioural processes [Behav Processes] 2018 Oct; Vol. 155, pp. 26-32. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Jul 13.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

There is a growing body of research on matching- and non-matching-to-sample (MTS, NMTS) relations with rats using olfactory stimuli; however, the specific characteristics of this relational control are unclear. In the current study we examine MTS and NMTS in rats with an automated olfactometer using a successive (go, no-go) procedure. Ten rats were trained to either match- or non-match-to-sample with common scents (apple, cinnamon, etc.) as olfactory stimuli. After matching or non-matching training with four odorants, rats were tested for transfer twice with four new odorants on each test. Most rats trained on MTS showed immediate transfer to new stimuli, and most rats trained on NMTS showed full transfer by the second set of new odors. After meeting criterion on the second transfer test, the contingencies were reversed with four new odor stimuli such that subjects trained on matching were shifted to non-matching and vice versa. Following these reversed contingencies, the effects of the original training persisted for many trials with new odorants. These data extend previous studies on same-different concept formation in rats, showing strong generalization requiring few exemplars. The critical role of olfactory stimuli is discussed.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1872-8308
Volume :
155
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Behavioural processes
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28713029
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2017.07.003