Observational learning of a shifting goal location in rats: Impact of distance, observed performance, familiarity, and delay.

BACKGROUND

Observational learning allows for learning without direct exposure to danger or energetic demands. This form of learning is seen in humans, other primates, and other species such as rodents. The neurobiology behind social learning has been studied mostly in rats, specifically focusing on social transmission of food preference and fear. However, less is known regarding the neural circuitry behind social learning of a foraging scenario.

NEW METHOD

The current study examined observational learning in a working memory Tmaze task. The food location changed daily such that the observing animal had to learn the correct location anew each day. This delineated the time frame when an animal learned by observation, making the phenomenon easier to study.

RESULTS

Rats learned the location of a food reward by observing a conspecific. Furthermore, the distance of the rats from the maze affected performance. Additionally, performance was affected by whether the performer made mistakes. This memory could persist for at least five minutes. Lastly, performance was not affected by observer-demonstrator familiarity COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Previous rodent foraging studies typically exposed observers to the same behavior over many observation sessions. In this scenario, it is difficult to determine when and how an animal learns through observation. The current task delineates the period of observation in each session, allowing manipulations during the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

The current paradigm allows for repeated examinations of observational learning and provides an alternative method for neurobiological studies of social learning.