Touchscreen-enhanced visual learning in rats. |
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Authors: | Robert G Cook Alfred I Geller Guo-Rong Zhang Ram Gowda |
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Institution: | Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA. robert.cook@tufts.edu |
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Abstract: | The efficiency of traditional levers and of modern touchscreen technology for training rats on a computerized visual discrimination was studied in a series of observations. When compared with a lever-based discrimination procedure, the use of touchscreens supported the faster development of signal tracking behavior and acquisition of a two-stimulus simultaneous visual discrimination. It did not affect the final level of accuracy. Factors related to spatial proximity of the responses with the stimuli, sign-tracking, and increased ease of touchscreen motor responses were suggested as possible reasons for the touchscreen training advantage. This increased efficiency allows large numbers of animals to be tested quickly, a necessary requirement for studies involving genetic and physiological interventions. |
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