Spatial pattern learning in rats: Conditional control by two patterns

Rats searched for food hidden on top of poles in a 4 x 4 matrix of poles. B efore each trial, the location of the four baited poles was unpredictable. However, the poles were always baited in one of two spatial patterns, eithe r a square or a line. The food hidden on the four baited poles was one of t wo types, and the food type determined the identity of the pattern. Thus, o nce one baited pole was discovered, the food type provided a cue for the sp atial pattern in which the remaining food was hidden. The results showed th at rats learned the two spatial patterns in which the food was hidden and u sed the conditional cue to determine which pattern was relevant on individu al trials, thereby increasing the efficiency of spatial search.