Virtual Open-field: Evidence against Integration of Spatial Maps in Humans

In a previous study, human participants navigated a virtual, open-field analogue of Blaisdell & Cook (2005). Results were consistent with those found in pigeons. Additional analyses suggested an accumulation of non-reinforced choice responses (not integration) was responsible for changes in responding across tests. A follow-up study eliminated the critical stimulus for integration in pigeons (i.e., reintroduction of Phase1 trials during Test 2). Phase 1 and Phase 2 training were identical to the previous study, but during transfer, Phase 2 trials were substituted for Phase 1 trials. Thus, testing blocks were comprised of Phase 2, Phase 2, and red L alone. The results were not different from those obtained when Phase 1 “reminder” trials were included for both humans and pigeons. Overall, the findings provided evidence that changes in cup choices were not due to an integration of spatial maps.