Cited by 641Memory and Neural MechanismsMemory Processes and InfluencesSpatial Cognition and Navigation

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The value of spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) as a test of retention in pharmacological investigations of memory

Hughes, Robert N.·2004·Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

DOI 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.06.006

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Abstract

Because of its reliance on memory, the tendency for rats, mice and other animals to alternate successive choices of T- or Y-maze arms has assumed considerable popularity in pharmacological studies of spatial memory as a quick and simple measure of retention that avoids the need for extensive training and the use of conventional reinforcers. Two forms of this tendency have been utilized, namely two-trial and continuous spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB). However, as the behavior can also reflect drug-related changes in sensory/attentional, motivational and performance processes, SAB should not be unquestionably accepted as a measure of memory alone. While assessments of post-acquisition drug effects on longer term memory may be possible through the appropriate timing of drug administration, this is more problematic if SAB is used as a measure of shorter term memory. Even though SAB can be a useful index of responsiveness to novelty, its value as a measure of retention is less certain. In this latter respect, a possible alternative to SAB testing might be the recently developed form of the related procedure, responsiveness to change.

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Authors: Hughes, R. N.
Affiliations: University of Canterbury (NZ)
Corresponding author: Hughes, Robert N.
Venue: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Published: 2004-09
Volume: 28
Issue: 5
Pages: 497-505
ISSN: 0149-7634 (ISSN-L)
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.06.006
OpenAlex: W2143302321
Cited by: 641
References: 116
Citations by year: 2026: 37 · 2025: 47 · 2024: 38 · 2023: 39 · 2022: 54 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 55 · 2019: 41 · 2018: 35 · 2017: 38 · 2016: 28 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 26 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 24
FWCI: 0.65
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Spatial Cognition and Navigation
Keywords: spatial memory, memory retention, T-maze, Y-maze, responsiveness to change, drug effects on memory, attentional processes, motivation
MeSH terms: Acetylcholine, Animals, Attention, Behavior, Animal, Brain Chemistry, Humans, Light, Memory, Reinforcement, Psychology, Smell, Space Perception

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The value of spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) as a test of retention in pharmacological investigations of memory

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