Abstract
SAB: Spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) generally refers to the tendency of animals, even single-celled organisms, to alternate their non-reinforced (Dember & Richman, 1989) choices of Tor Y-maze arms on subsequent trials, following an initial trial or turn. First described over 80 years ago (Tolman, 1925), the phenomenon has been ascribed to the operation of a variety of mechanisms including Hullian reactive inhibition (Solomon, 1948), stimulus satiation (Glanzer, 1953), action decrement (Walker, 1958), curiosity (Dember and Earl, 1957), habituation to novelty (Carlton, 1969), foraging strategies (Estes and Schoeffler, 1955) and spatial working memory (Sarter, et al., 1988). Studies have suggested that the primary cue for alternation among invertebrates to be is the body turn. Vertebrates rely primarily on directional and odor cues. The fitness benefits associated with stimulus seeking and behavioral exploration, foraging, remain the most compelling explanation of why SAB is found ubiquitously and reliably (Richman, et al.1986). Although the underlying mechanism of SAB is open to study, there is general agreement that the ability to alternate choices requires that the organism remember its previous choice (Hughes, 2004).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
