Artigo Revisado por pares

The application of the first order system transfer function for fitting the 3-arm radial maze learning curve

2008; Elsevier BV; Volume: 52; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jmp.2008.08.001

ISSN

1096-0880

Autores

Igor Igorevich Stepanov, Charles I. Abramson,

Tópico(s)

Zebrafish Biomedical Research Applications

Resumo

A mathematical model is described based on the first order system transfer function in the form Y=B3∗exp(−B2∗(X−1))+B4∗(1−exp(−B2∗(X−1))), where X is the learning session number; Y is the quantity of errors, B2 is the learning rate, B3 is resistance to learning and B4 is ability to learn. The model is tested in a light–dark discrimination learning task in a 3-arm radial maze using Wistar and albino rats. The model provided good fits of experimental data under acquisition and reacquisition, and was able to detect strain differences among Wistar and albino rats. The model was compared to Rescorla–Wagner, and was found to be mutually complementary. Comparisons with Tulving’s logarithmic function and Valentine’s hyperbola and the arc cotangent functions are also provided. Our model is valid for fitting averaged group data, if averaging is applied to a subgroup of subjects possessing individual learning curves of an exponential shape.

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