Enriched sensory experience in adulthood increases subsequent exploratory behaviour in the rat

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 1975
Authors:
 I. R. Inglis
Publication/Journal:
 Animal Behaviour
Keywords:
 , ,
ISBN:
 0003-3472
Abstract:

Hooded rats were reared under identical conditions until 3 months old. They were then exposed for 5 weeks to either a sensorily enriched or an impoverished environment. Each subject was then observed for 15 min in a novel Y-maze. Animals exposed to the enriched environment showed the strongest exploration tendency, particularly early in the trial. The results are discussed in relation to the emphasis placed by earlier workers upon the role of early stimulation in setting adult levels of exploratory behaviour.

Links:

Back to Resources