Data Analysis

Question 1

What is spontaneous novelty?

Answer 1

Detecting a novel stimulus in the environment and choosing to preferentially explore it over a recognised familiar one
Many species show this spontaneous behaviour

Question 2

What are the 3 phases of learning and memory?

Answer 2

Encoding - the initial learning of information
Storage - maintaining information over time (short term to long term)
Retrieval - access information again for use

Question 3

How do you test the 3 phases of memory?

Answer 3

Encoding - sample phase/trial or study phase
Storage - intertrial/retention interval or consolidation phase
Retrieval - test phase/trial, recall test, recognition test

Question 4

What factor may affect the memory capability of the mouse?

Answer 4

Anxiety - could lead to thigmotaxis (staying near the wall of the box)
Olfactory cues
Intrinsic object preferences
Spatial bias - prefer one side of the box