Exteroceptive and Interoceptive Stimuli in the Contextual Control of Behavior by Circadian Rhythm in Mice
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Authors
Peal, Caitlyn S.
Issue Date
2024
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Behavior , Behavior Analysis , Circadian Rhythm , Context , Contextual Control , Light/dark Cycle
Alternative Title
Abstract
Behavior analysis is the study of how the behavior of individual organisms is related to their contexts. Context is the field/configuration of all stimulus objects/events that are interrelated with/affect an individual organism's behavior at any given moment. The stimulus objects/events that are interrelated with organisms' behavior may include both exteroceptive stimuli (stimulation arising from objects/events occurring outside of the organism's body) and interoceptive stimuli (stimulation from organisms' own bodies). Circadian rhythm (patterns of physiological activity and behavior organized around approximately 24-h cycles) is an important factor in determining behavior, and it is comprised of both exteroceptive and interoceptive stimulus factors. This study used renewal/reinstatement preparations to 1) determine if circadian rhythm could serve as a context for learning and 2) characterize the relative contributions of exteroceptive and interoceptive stimuli in the contextual control of behavior by circadian rhythm. An operant response was acquired through reinforcement at one point in the circadian cycle and then extinguished at a different point in the cycle. Following extinction sessions, the colony room light/dark cycle was manipulated for one group (i.e., "Shift" group) and not for the other group (i.e., "No Shift" group). Both groups exhibited renewal relative to the last extinction session when returned to their clock time acquisition contexts. As the amount of renewal observed was approximately equivalent between groups, the interoceptive stimuli presumed to be associated with circadian rhythm can be an important part of context for associative learning.