Olfactory matching-to-sample in rats using a novel apparatus
- UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Rhiannon D. Thomas (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
- Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
- Advisor
- Mark Galizio
Abstract: The present study used a semi-automated device to test
olfactory matching-to-sample in rats. The apparatus was a
modified operant chamber with three nose ports that were covered
with three independently-operating guillotine doors. The center
door was opened to allow access to the sample scent and once the
photo beam inside the nose port was broken for 2 s, the
comparison doors were raised. In Experiment I, rats were
trained on an identity matching-to-sample procedure using
olfactory stimuli that were presented beneath the nose ports.
This training continued until the performance criterion of 75%
or higher accuracy over ten sessions was achieved. When the
subject met the criterion, they were introduced to a novel set
of five olfactory stimuli. In Experiment I, rats were exposed
to the same set of stimuli throughout the entire experiment
because the performance criteria were never met. In Experiment
II, in which some procedural refinements were implemented, one
subject (Z2) progressed through three MTS sets and showed some
evidence of generalized matching, but the other two rats did not
meet any of the matching criteria. These results suggest that
response topography may be an important factor in conditional
discrimination in rats.
Olfactory matching-to-sample in rats using a novel apparatus
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Arts
- Language: English
- Date: 2009
- Keywords
- Rats--Research
- Subjects
- Rats -- Research