Solution of a Detour Problem by Rats in Elevated and Ground Mazes

Abstract

The problem was (1) to determine whether rats would select a previously avoided, long detour when a direct path to food is blocked and the food is also inaccessible via a previously preferred, intermediate length path; and (2) to test Tolman's claim that this ability exists with an elevated maze but not with a ground maze. Only one rat, in the ground maze, chose the correct, long route. This animal ran the maze much more rapidly than the others. It appears that running speed may be related to insight but not maze type.