Subcortical mechanisms in learning. II. The maze.

Abstract

45 rats with lesions in various parts of the subcortex and 23 control animals were run on an 18-unit multiple-T maze. Performance was measured in terms of both trials and errors. As a group the operated animals were retarded. The amt. of retardation varied somewhat with the particular region destroyed. Lesions in the pretectal region caused the least deterioration, those in structures anterior to the thalamus a greater retardation, and lesions in the thalamus the greatest. No subcortical structure was found to be essential to maze performance. Several hypotheses are suggested to explain the retardation of the operated animals.