Individual Differences in the Expression of a “General” Learning Ability in Mice

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-16-06423.2003
• Publication Date: 2018-04-13T22:30:28Z
• Authors: Louis D. Matzel; Yu Ray Han; Henya Grossman; Meghana S. Karnik; Dave Patel; Nicholas Scott; Steven M. Specht; Chetan C. Gandhi
• Keywords: Associative learning; Sample (material); Path integration

Human performance on diverse tests of intellect are impacted by a “general” regulatory factor that accounts for up to 50% the variance between individuals intelligence tests. Neurobiological determinants general cognitive abilities essentially unknown, owing in part paucity animal research wherein neurobiological analyses possible. We report methodology with which we have assessed individual differences learning laboratory mice. Abilities mice associative fear conditioning, operant avoidance, path integration, discrimination, and spatial navigation were assessed. Tasks designed so each made unique sensory, motor, motivational, information processing demands animals. A sample 56 genetically outbred (CD-1) was used assess individuals' acquisition task. Indicative common source variance, positive correlations found all tasks. When tested multiple test batteries, overall ranks be highly reliable “normally” distributed. Factor analysis variables determined single accounted 38% total across Animals' levels native activity body weights little variability learning, although animals' propensity exploration loaded strongly (and positively correlated) abilities. These results indicate influenced and, moreover, can specified relative peers.