Data Archive of the Animal Cognition Lab

University of Georgia

Catalog Number: 0001

Title: Representation of Time in Time-Place Learning 1

Reference: Pizzo, M.J. & Crystal, J.D. (2002). Representation of time in time-place learning. Animal Learning & Behavior, 30, 387-393.

Note: These data were reported as Experiment 1 by Pizzo & Crystal (2002). Training was conducted in sessions 1-76. Randomized blocks of testing mixed with training were conducted in sessions 77-92 (probe tests were conducted on sessions 77, 86, and 92).

ABSTRACT

Ordinal, interval, and circadian mechanisms of solving a time-place task were tested. Rats searched for food twice in the morning and once in the afternoon (group AB–C, n=5) or once in the morning and twice in the afternoon (group A–BC, n=5) in a box with 4 food troughs. The location with food depended on the time of day in a 12-12 light-dark cycle. Acquisition was documented by food-site inspections at the correct locations prior to food availability. On non-rewarded probes, the time of the middle search (B) was shifted late (for group AB–C) or early (for group A–BC). The rats visited location B at chance, contrary to an ordinal mechanism. When the post-testing meal and light-dark transitions were omitted, the rats visited correct locations with impaired performance but at above chance levels on non-rewarded probes. The results are consistent with interval and circadian representations of time.

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Last updated 16 January 2003