Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Behavioural Neuroscience

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Nathan Insel

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

Social interaction often requires animals to continuously be aware of the spatial position of others relative to themselves, but little is known about how social-spatial information is initially computed and how it is updated in the moment during movements of self and other. We examined the role of the PPC and RSC in computing and updating interpersonal space, and how this translates into approaching a conspecific. Our hypothesis was that the PPC and RSC are involved in processing location and moment-to-moment expectations about others and that animals use the PPC or RSC to update information about relative distance and position from another. Using excitotoxic lesions targeting either the PPC or RSC, we examined how rats approached, tracked, and maintained distance from a stranger conspecific in a freely moving social interaction. Overall, we found no significant differences between PPC, RSC, and SHAM groups in approach dynamics and face-to-face greetings, or any specific, social movements. Some differences between groups were seen more generally, with a higher velocity and acceleration, more orientation away from conspecifics, and significantly reduced rear-sniffing in RSC lesioned animals. This could be why the stimulus partner oriented towards the RSC animals more, and had a higher velocity when approaching a rear-sniff. PPC lesion did not include deep layers of the area, which could be why they often looked similar to control animals. Although we did not find statistically significant results for our predicted social movements, we saw subtle changes in how RSC lesions effected social interaction, such as a reduction in rear-sniffing, and orienting away from their partner more. Overall, this suggests that the RSC does not have an effect on approaching a conspecific, but does interfere with some aspects of normal social behaviour.

Convocation Year

2025

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Wednesday, September 01, 2027

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