Sex differences and latent place learning in a novel water maze environment

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Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2017-11-03

Department

Towson University. Department of Psychology

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Citation of Original Publication

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Abstract

Results of research involving sex differences when solving spatial learning and memory tasks are often inconsistent as some studies report significant sex differences, while others do not report any difference. Latent learning is often studied both with and without motivation in male animal subjects. The current study investigated sex differences and latent learning in rats tested in the Morris water maze using a two-room design. The results showed a significant sex difference whereby females were more likely to go to the new location while males preferred the old location. These results likely derive from interaction effects between known sex differences in factors such as cue use and individual differences in working memory. It has been reported that female rats have superior working memory. Working memory, therefore, could result in more efficient processing of novel cues during passive placements allowing them to perform more accurately after being placed into the pool.