BEHAVIOUR OF RATS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ETHYL ALCOHOL IN AN OPEN-FIELD SITUATION

In a standardized open-field test, ambulation, defecation, time of non-locomotor activity, time spent motionless, preening, and rearing were recorded. Inter-observer differences were small. Test repetition caused significant behavioural changes. Different rats were used for each of five doses of alcohol (0.5–2 mg/g). The lowest dose (0.75 mg/g) affecting behaviour significantly increased time motionless, decreased non-locomotor activity, and depressed preening. Ambulation was the last sensitive measure of behaviour. The results suggest that arousal mechanisms are particularly sensitive to alcohol. The procedure seems useful for studies of effects of small doses of alcohol.     

MODIFICATION OF SHUTTLE BOX TO IMPROVE RATE OF AVOIDANCE LEARNING IN RATS

W allgren , H. & S avolainen , S. Modification of shuttle-box to improve rate of avoidance learning in rats. Scand. J. Psychol ., 1962, 3 , 78–80.—Acquisition by rats of a conditioned avoidance response seems to be retarded in an ordinary shuttle-box by the necessity to re-enter the compartment where shocks have previously been received. To avoid this, a four-compartment box was introduced in which the animals can proceed in one direction. Rats were given either continuous trials until nine avoidance responses were made during 10 consecutive trials, or 30 trials per day until 27 correct responses were made during one session. With both methods of training, the rate of learning was approximately 40 per cent more rapid in the four-compartment box than in the ordinary shuttle-box.