Critical analysis of Deutsch's theory of memory

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1973
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Abstract
Deutsch has proposed a theory of memory retrieval that postulates an increasing, then decreasing accessibility of the memory for a light-going habit over time. In part, this theory is based on the finding that retention of a light discrimination Y maze habit varies over time as a Ushaped function. The hypothesized physiological basis for this U-shaped function is a parallel change in conductance at central cholinergic synapses. The first three experiments in the present study assessed the validity of the memory interpretation given to the U-shaped maze retention function. In Experiment 1, Phase I, animals were given 15 training trials on the light discrimination shock escape task. In Phase II, the U-shaped retention function was demonstrated . In Experiment 2, where Phase I training was the same as in Experiment 1 but during Phase II retraining the unlighted rather than the lighted alley was shock free, a U-shaped curve rather than the inverted U-shape that a memory interpretation might predict, was demonstrated. In Experiment 3, it was shown that the experience of shock alone was sufficient to produce the curve. It was concluded that the curve obtained in these experiments reflected some aspect of experience with shock during initial training, ~ud not retrievability of memory for the light discrimination shock escape habit. The last three experiments provided support for the view that the U-shaped curve reflected a stress-induced change in autonomic functioning. It was hypothesized that a release of epinephrine accompanied initial training, that this physiological response eventually led to a state of elevated cholinergic activity, and that dominance of cholinergic mechanisms facilitated acquisition of the shock escape habit. In Experiment 4, a U- shaped curve was produced as a function of time since injections of epinephrine. In Experiments 5 and 6, an assumed anticholinesterase produced increase in cholinergic activity resulted in facilitated acquisition of the habit.
Description
Bibliography: p. 54-63.
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Citation
Ring, M. T. (1973). Critical analysis of Deutsch's theory of memory (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/23946