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PubMed · 15190705

Touchscreen-enhanced visual learning in rats.

Robert G Cook·Alfred I Geller·Guo-Rong Zhang·Ram Gowda
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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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AnimalsComputer GraphicsConditioning, ClassicalDiscrimination LearningPattern Recognition, VisualPsychology, ExperimentalRatsRats, Long-EvansUser-Computer InterfaceJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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Robert G Cook, Alfred I Geller, Guo-Rong Zhang, Ram Gowda. 2004. Touchscreen-enhanced visual learning in rats.. https://doi.org/10.3758/bf03195555

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