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Reinforced variability enhances object exploration in shy and bold rats
Alison Weiss1, Allen Neuringer
1Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR, 97202, United States. alison.weiss@gmail.com
Physiology & Behavior
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Bold rats and reinforcement for varied object interaction both enhance foraging success. This study shows genetic strain and behavioral training independently improve how rats find food.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Rat strains exhibit distinct behavioral phenotypes, with Long-Evans (LE) rats being bold and PVG rats being shy.
- Environmental enrichment and specific reinforcement can modify animal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined effects of genetic predisposition (boldness) and behavioral reinforcement on object interaction and foraging proficiency in rats.
- To determine if reinforcing variable object interactions enhances subsequent foraging success.
Main Methods:
- Rats from LE (bold) and PVG (shy) strains were subjected to either simple exposure to novel objects (Exposed) or reinforcement for variable object interactions (Reinforced).
- Object interaction variability was measured during enrichment sessions.
- Foraging proficiency was assessed in a transfer-of-training test where food pellets were hidden among novel objects.
Main Results:
- Reinforced rats showed more variable object interactions than Exposed rats.
- LE rats exhibited more variable interactions than PVG rats.
- Reinforced rats discovered and consumed more food pellets than Exposed rats, and LE rats outperformed PVG rats in foraging.
Conclusions:
- Both a bold genetic strain (LE rats) and reinforcement of variable object interaction independently contribute to enhanced foraging behavior.
- Behavioral plasticity, influenced by reinforcement, can improve adaptive foraging strategies.
