A Behavioral Study on the Adult Marmoset Interference Control in Spatial Working Memory
Abstract
Interference control deficit in Working Memory (WM) is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is an ideal non-human animal model for studying WM disorders. Previous studies of marmoset WM have used a touch-screen self-ordered sequencing task (SOST), which resembles an n-back paradigm and targets updating processes in internal interference control. However, the training time for the marmoset to reach proficiency on this paradigm is long given the short marmoset lifespan. In an attempt to accelerate marmoset learning of the task, we developed a new version of SOST that relied on foraging behaviour. The goal of this project was to validate an experimental design that resembles the naturalistic environment of the animal and speed up the learning phase of training. A below chance performance was observed. Two task-related issues were identified that could be the reason for poor performance. The training levels were modified to resolve the weaknesses of the task.