Testing for Metacognitive Responding Using an Odor-based Delayed Match-to-Sample Test in Rats.

ABSTRACT: Metamemory involves the cognitive ability to assess the strength of one's memories. To explore the possibility of metamemory in non-human animals, numerous behavioral tasks have been created, many of which utilize an option to decline memory tests. To assess metamemory in rats, we utilized this decline-test option paradigm by adapting previous visual delayed-match-to-sample tests (DMTS)^1,2 developed for primate species to an odor-based test suitable for rodents. First, rats are given a sample to remember by digging in a cup of scented sand. After a delay, the rat is presented with four distinctly scented cups, one of which contains the identical scent experienced during the sample; if this matching cup is selected, then the rat obtains a preferred, larger r

SUBMITTER: Lee KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6101758 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature