Maze Learning Module Map | |
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Purpose To demonstrate some principles of spatial learning and spatial memory in a way-finding task. Summary Students get a rat's-eye view of maze learning by moving a simulated rat through one of several mazes. The mazes are at different levels of difficulty, and at each level, the students take the rat through the maze twice. After the second run, a top-view of the entire maze is displayed, and the rat's progress during the first and second run is illustrated. In most cases the second run will involve fewer errors, thus demonstrating that spatial learning has occurred. If students monitor their own decision-making processes as they step through the maze, they will gain an intuitive appreciation for the difference between forming a "cognitive map" of the maze, and learning a specific sequence of left and right turns to reach the goal box. |
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Introduction Your task Maze trials |
References |
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Click here to open the worksheet that accompanies this module. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to get Adobe Acrobat Reader. Internet connection required to download plug-in.) | |