EFFECT OF FOOD AND MUSIC TO SPATIAL MEMORY OF HAMSTERS 1

The Effect of Food and Music to Spatial Memory of Hamsters in T-Maze

The T-Maze begins 1910 design by Robert Yerkes. In this research experiment,

T-maze is equipment used to check the spatial reminiscence of the subject in appearing

Reward alteration. Spatial memory is a memory responsible for recording and recovering

information in a particular location or event. Hamsters were believed to have a spatial

memory. In this way, the hamster’s spatial memory proven works and has a huge impact

on consistently choosing the arm which placed both food and music. The food and music

both are the independent variable in this experiment and the hamster’s spatial memory is

the dependent variable.

Trinity K. and Georgina I. (2021) investigated how musical sound affects the

speed, time reaction and remembrance in the path of the hamster. This group of

researchers uses a maze to gather the time how fast does the hamster react without any

guide or music, while the other condition used a pre-recorded audios and live music

instrumentation. In presented condition resulted in the data decrease from condition to

post-condition due to a longer time period than any other conditions. Wherein, the

expected outcome in baseline and condition did increase.

According to Alina Hartley (2021) Cricetinae remembered all the essential

memories in everyday lifestyle from the food up to routines. The study showed that

hamsters can recall the positioning of its favorite food and object inside the cage after

several trainings. In some scientist experiment, these animals have a long-term memory,

long enough to recollect the duration of sunlight. When there is lesser sunlight, it is time

to prepare for hibernation, which leads to hamster months to years of memory. In placing
 EFFECT OF FOOD AND MUSIC TO SPATIAL MEMORY OF HAMSTERS 2

the food in arms of T-maze can be recognized by the aforementioned through the means

of sense.

In the study of Rosalie Kühlmann, Aniek de Rooijand Johannes Jeekel (2018)

about the systemic review in rodents, comparing the control situation versus the music for

the hamster which led to numerous outcome effects. With overall forty-two studies had

shown the increased in neuro-chemistry or also known as the modulator of the brain in

consist of developing, structuring and function compounds of the nervous system.

Furthermore, rodents which expose in the musical noise had improved its immune

system, anxiety reduction, auditory learning and spatial.

In the recent study of Rojas-Leguizamón, Yáñez and Cabrera (2019), using pre-

choice behavior and depleting or replenishing environment, testing the spatial memory of

hamsters in the radical arm maze (RAM). During rodents gathering, if the process of

foraging needed a least effort hamster can gather larger amount consumes which good for

storing. In the condition of depleting, it has been observed that the great amount of time

has been spent during this time. However, in the replenishing environment has been

proving otherwise.

In the study of William Fagan et al. (2013), the research highlighted corresponds

of movement from the stored memory of animals. Through the use of experience and

exposure from the environment any animals can navigate each movement in the process

of cognitive use. Researchers defined the different characteristics of memories, basis and

benefits through psychological literature. In results, the experts identified when one’s

brain occupied with information it is more likely to hesitate to explore.

 EFFECT OF FOOD AND MUSIC TO SPATIAL MEMORY OF HAMSTERS 3

In the alternation research study of Dylan Beard (2019), using T-Maze and Y-

Maze and how drugs and disease affects the spatial memory of rodents. This emphasizes

the importance of spatial working memory function as temporary memory storage. In

conclusion, the spatial memory has impacted by various drugs and psychological

condition, however it can still properly function. The study proved this by the based-task

in the maze which led the rodents in quick learning.

According to Ferreira-Dantes, F., R., et al (2015).'s research, when food is scarce,

animals' behavior adjusts in accordance with when they may get food, which is also

referred to as food-anticipatory behavior (FAA). The Syrian hamster, a photoperiodic

animal that is not prone to display FAA, is one notable exception among rodents.

Findings demonstrate that under typical laboratory conditions, food-restricted Syrian

hamsters are not likely to exhibit FAA because daylight decreases FAA expression in the

wheel.

Euan (2021) asserts that hamsters can't fully understand music. They are

extremely simple creatures that perceive noises at a frequency that is much higher than

ours. In summary, hamsters have a really ambiguous relationship with music and only

object to it if it is played at a loud enough volume. Contrary to popular belief, there is no

proof that hamsters enjoy classical music.

Markos (2022) claims that there aren't many myths about hamster music in

circulation. One says that only classical music appeals to hamsters, while another is that

loud music frightens them. Hamsters are actually quite adaptable when it comes to

musical tastes, though. Some people might love classical music, while others might
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prefer different genres like pop, rock, or even metal. Regarding loud music, the hamster

is really the deciding factor.

According to the research done by Ruby, N. F., et al. (2017), both rodents and

humans have impaired spatial memory as a result of circadian timing disturbances. An

assessment using a spontaneous alternation task revealed significant deficiencies in

spatial working memory in circadian-arrhythmic Siberian hamsters. The findings

demonstrate that planned meals can enhance cognitive function when SCN timing is

impaired, perhaps through synchronizing SCN and septo-hippocampal circuit activity.

Russian physiologist Pavlov is credited with the discovery of classical

conditioning, also known as responder conditioning or Pavlovian conditioning and

including learning by association. In other words, when two stimuli are integrated, a

person or animal learns a new reaction.

John Watson asserts that the classical conditioning approach, which was created

in reaction to Pavlov's experiments, can account for all dimensions of human psychology.

Speech and emotional outbursts included, everything was essentially a sequence of

patterns of stimulation and reaction. Watson fiercely disagreed with the idea of a mind or

awareness. According to Watson, all individual's behavioral variations are the result of

unique learning experiences. A characteristic of the environment that triggers a normal

and automatic unconditioned reaction serves as the unconditioned stimulus in classical

conditioning. Food served as the unconditioned stimulus in Pavlov's experiment.

The researchers used food and music for testing the spatial memory of

hamsters. The idea came up with the procedure of the hamsters will first be presented
 EFFECT OF FOOD AND MUSIC TO SPATIAL MEMORY OF HAMSTERS 5

with food and shows that after repeating trials, the hamsters will memorize the place

where the food placed. The music will be played on the right arm of the T-Maze and

shows if the hamsters will be attracted to the sounds and go to the designated arm which

is the right arm. The food and music were combined in the right arm and tested if the

hamsters are more active in choosing it. In this way, research is intended to compare

which of the three experiments is more effective for the spatial memory of the hamsters.

In Pavlovian conditioning, the stimuli here were linked to each other to produce a new

learned response which is the hamsters will familiarize themselves with the only arm

containing the food and music.

The main purpose of the study is to find out how consistent the spatial memory of

the hamsters regarding to the test experiment. The researchers employed food and music

manipulation in three different trials. In this case, the researchers can determine how

consistent the hamster’s memory, even the independent variable used is different.

Specifically, the study wants to: (1) To assess the working spatial memory of the hamster

through food in a control condition, (2) To assess the working memory of the hamster

through music in a control condition, (3) To assess the working memory of the hamsters

through both food and music in a control condition, and (4) To compare the working

memory of the hamster through food alone and the working memory of the hamster

through music alone and through both.

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Method

Participants and Sampling Technique

Syrian Hamster is a breed of the hamster that is quite tame, friendly, and

affectionate. A Syrian hamster or also known as a golden hamster weigh between 4-8

ounces and is 5 to 7 inches long. The Syrian hamster is the largest species of the hamster.

In this experiment, three Syrian male hamsters participated. They are approximately 2

months old weigh 100 grams and are 6 inches long. The experiment is being undertaken

to determine the impact of food and music on the spatial memory of hamsters in a T-

maze that will have twelve trials in a month with roughly four sessions. The hamsters are

housed in a cage that measures 12x45 inches and has access to food and water. Before the

experiment, experimenters make sure that the hamsters are healthy and able to participate

in the said experiment.

Materials and Apparatuses

One T-Maze apparatus was used to measure the spatial memory of hamsters. The

total width of the maze is 77 cm and its length is 42cm. It is made of glass and composed

of four parts which are the base, central part, and right and left arm. At the base of the

maze, Syrian hamsters is placed, along with the central part which serves as the middle of

the right and left arms that have a door before the Syrian hamsters can enter. The

materials used are food and music. Specifically, the food is a dried vegetables treat and

the music is instrumental piano. This food and music were placed in right arm of the T-

maze to test its effect on the hamster's spatial memory.

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Procedures

This study focusses on the effect of food and music alteration in spatial memory

of the hamster in T-Maze. To further understand the study, these are the procedure to

conduct in performing the experiment. In Experiment 1, the hamster will put at the base

of the t-maze then observe. The researchers will put the reward food on the right arms of

the t-maze. With the use of sense of smell, the hamster chooses arms which the food is

placed. In this case, the spatial memory of the hamster will work. The hamster will

familiarize were the food (reward) placed. In Experiment 2, the same procedure will

apply as the Experiment 1 performs. The researchers will put the hamster at the base of

the t-maze then observe. But instead of putting the food at the right arm of the T-Maze,

the researchers will put the speaker playing with instrumental music on the right arms of

the t-maze. And by the use of sense of hearing, the hamster chooses arms where the

music came. Put a speaker playing music on the arm of t-maze where food is placed. In

Experiment 3, the same procedure will apply by the researchers, but instead of using

foods and music alone, the researchers put both food and music in the right arm of the T-

Maze. As the researchers observe and record details the food and music (independent

variable) have the effect on the spatial memory of hamsters (dependent variable).
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References

Trinity, K. and Georgina, I. (February 4, 2022) Musical Effects on Hamster. Orange

County Science & Engineering Fair. https://ocsef.org/musical-effects-on-hamsters/

Hartley,A. (2021) How Smart are Hamster? How Good Their Memory?.PetsVille All

about small pets.https://petsvills.com/how-smart-are-hamsters/

Kühlmann, R., Rooij, A. D., Hunink, M. G. M.,De Zeeuw,C. I.,&Jeekel,J. (2018) Music

Affects Rodents: A Systematic Review of Experimental Research. Frontiers in

Behavioral Neuroscience.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6302112/

Rojas-Leguizamón, M.,Yáñez, N., &Cabrera, F. (2019) Spatial Memory in Hamsters

(Mesocricetusauratus):Depleting/replenishing Environments and Pre-choice Behaviors in

the Radial Arm Maze. International Journal of Comparative

Psychology.https://escholarship.org/content/qt85q9v8d3/qt85q9v8d3_noSplash_0526e68

1a5f74977f69829a367c762f6.pdf?t=qrupzp

Fagan, W., Lewis, M., Auger-Méthé, M.,Avgar,T.,Benhamou, S., Breed, G.,LaDage, L.,

Méthéägel, Tang, W.,Papastamatiou, Y.,ForesteJ., &Mueller, T. (2013). Spatial memory

and animal movement. Ecology Letters.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ele.12165

Beard, D. (2019) Types of Memory: Spatial Memory In Rodents And Humans. Conduct

Science. https://conductscience.com/maze/spatial-memory-in-rodents-and-humans/

Euan. (2021,June,25)Do Hamsters like music?. Just Hamster. Retrieved November, 17,

2022 from https://justhamsters.net/do-hamsters-like-music/

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Dantas-Ferreira, F, R., Dumont, S,. Gourmelen,S.  Cipolla-Neto, J., Simonneaux,

V.,Pévet, P.,  Challet, C. (2015,May,13)Food-anticipatory activity in Syrian hamsters:

behavioral and molecular responses in the hypothalamus according to photoperiodic

conditions.Pubmed Gov.org. Retrieved November, 17, 2022 from

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25970608/

Ruby, N, F., Fisher, an., Patton, D, F., Paul, M, J., Fernandez, F., Heller, C, H. (2017,

July, 28) Scheduled feeding restores memory and modulates c-Fos expression in the

suprachiasmatic nucleus and septohippocampal complex. Scientific report. Retrieved

November, 17,2022 from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-06963-w

Markos. (2022, September, 7) What type of music does your hamster enjoy?. Boysetfire.

Retrieved November, 17, 2022 from https://www.boysetsfire.net/what-type-of-music-

does-your-hamster-enjoy/

McLeod,S.A. (November 22, 2021). Classical conditioning: How It Works With

Examples. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from November 23, 2022 from

https://www.simplypsychology.org/classical-conditioning.html
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Appendix A

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to find the Effect of Food and Music to Spatial Memory of

Hamsters in T-maze.

Specifically, it attempted to answer the following question:

1. How did hamsters’ spatial memory will identify the right arm by using food?

2. How did hamsters’ spatial memory will identify the right arm by using music?

3. How did hamsters’ spatial memory will identify the right arm by using both food and

music?

4. Are there any differences in testing hamster's working memory between two different

dependent variables (music, food, and both)?