Generalization of Spatial Rules Instead of Integration of Spatial Maps in a Virtual Open-Field

A 3-D virtual-environment open-field analogue of Blaisdell & Cook’s (2005) pigeon foraging task was constructed to determine if humans, like pigeons, were capable of integrating separately learned spatial maps. Participants searched for a goal among 16 raised cups arranged in a 4 x 4 grid. During separate training phases, participants learned to locate the goal between two landmarks (Phase 1: blue T and red L) and down and left of a single landmark (Phase 2: blue T). During test trials, participants made 6 unrewarded choices in the presence of the red L alone. Cup choices during testing were analyzed to assess participants’ strategies: generalization (Phase 2), association (Phase 1), or integration (combination of Phases 1 and 2). Results suggested participants used a generalization strategy which was confirmed by two control groups. Comparative implications of the data are discussed.