A computer-controlled maze environment for testing visual memory in the rat

A computer-controlled version of a Y-maze was developed to allow automated testing of rats' learning and memory with visual stimuli. Each of the 3 arms terminated with 2 adjacent monochromatic screens, 43 cm from the maze centre, providing a total stimulus area 47 cm wide by 18.5 cm high. The displays were abstract patterns extending across 2 screens, generated by algorithms which provided a large pool of discriminable patterns. The patterns used were of 2 general classes: Scenes (internally complex patterns with varying numbers of foreground shapes distributed across contrasted backgrounds) and Objects (internally homogeneous single figures, confined to the central part of the display). They could be stationary or have oscillatory movement. Subjects' location in the maze was monitored by infrared beam photodetectors; approach to correct patterns was rewarded with food. Pigmented rats of the Hooded Lister and Dark Agouti strains were tested. All could acquire 2-pair concurrent visual discriminations comprising 2 positive and 2 negative patterns, either Scenes or Objects; most could acquire 4-pair discriminations. Dark Agouti rats generally performed better than Hooded Listers. A novel training procedure using one positive and many negative patterns resulted in rapid learning of novel discriminations with either moving or non-moving patterns. The apparatus is an effective environment for visual learning by rats, suitable for a wide range of tasks in neuropsychology and psychopharmacology.