The effects of response cost and species-typical behaviors on a daily time–place learning task

摘要: Two theories that have been hypothesized to mediate acquisition in daily time–place learning (TPL) tasks were investigated a free operant TPL task: the response cost hypothesis and species-typical behavior hypothesis. One lever at end of one choice arms T-maze provided food morning, 6 h later, other arm food. Four groups used assess effect two possible sources cost: physical effort task costs associated with foraging ecology. group was explicitly allowing for behaviors. If only first data considered, there little evidence learning. However, both press percentage presses on correct prior reinforcement revealed most rats tested. Unexpectedly, high proposed did not perform better than low groups. The allowed animals display behaviors performed worst. Skip session probe trials confirmed majority acquired using circadian timing strategy. results from present study suggest might be dependent cost.