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Filling the gap: Evidence for a spatial differentiation in trace eyeblink conditioning
Mauro F Larra1, Andreas Behrje1, Johannes B Finke1
1Department of Clinical Psychophysiology, Institute of Psychobiology, University of Trier, 54290 Trier, Germany.
Neuroscience Letters
|June 15, 2017
Summary
Trace eyeblink conditioning, a model for memory, now shows spatial effects. Participants aware of the stimulus location demonstrated stronger conditioned responses on that side, expanding memory research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Trace eyeblink conditioning is a translational model for declarative memory.
- Current models are limited to temporal aspects, neglecting spatial dimensions.
- The spatial component of trace eyeblink conditioning remains experimentally unaddressed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential spatial aspects in trace eyeblink conditioning.
- To determine if spatial information can be differentially conditioned.
- To explore the role of awareness in spatial trace eyeblink conditioning.
Main Methods:
- A spatiotemporal trace eyeblink conditioning paradigm was developed.
- A spatial dimension (unconditioned stimulus application side) was introduced.
- Conditioned responses were recorded from both eyes, with stimuli differentially coded by tone frequency.
Main Results:
- Conditioned reactions were stronger and more frequent on the side predicted by the conditioned stimulus.
- This spatial effect was observed only in participants who were aware of the stimulus-response relationship.
- Awareness significantly modulated the spatial conditioning effects.
Conclusions:
- Spatial effects are present in trace eyeblink conditioning.
- These spatial effects are dependent on participant awareness of the stimulus-response association.
- The findings expand the translational utility of trace eyeblink conditioning to include spatial memory components.
