Single Trial Conditioning: Methodology and Results with Mice

Abstract

Four experiments are presented with data from three methods for establishing a conditioned avoidance response in mice in a single trial. Approximately 90% of the mice used with these methods showed conditioning. Specific advantages lie in the use of one method rather than another, and this is dependent upon the application desired. Some of the variables controlled for with these conditioning techniques are: CS-UCS interval, US duration, and US-UR interval.

Retention of a passive avoidance response in mice

“…The "step-through" apparatus (Essman & Alpern, 1964) was a completely enclosed black plastic chamber approximately 12 in. square.…”

Time-dependent memory storage: An alternative interpretation of some data

“…SUBJECTS The Ss were ISO male ICR mice, approximately 90 days of age, and housed in groups of 12 prior to the experiment, with ad Iib food and water. APPRATUS Tbe "learning" apparatus, previously described in Calhoun & Murphy (1966), was a step-off device similar to that described by Essman & Alpern (1964). A circular platform, 7.6 cm in diam, could be lowered from 20.3 cm above a large platform to within 1.27 cm of the lower platform.…”

Pre- and post-trial stimulation: Effects on retention

“…Therefore, the experiments to be reported were planned. A one-trial step-off problem was selected as learning is accomplished within a very short period (Essman & Alpern, 1964). A further advantage is that post-learning treatments have been shown to disrupt retention (ether anesthesia, Abt et aI, 1961;ECS, Madsen & McGaugh, 1961).…”