An automated runway: Responding without postreinforcement goal tracking

The behaviors of rodents in manual runways are subject to experimenter variability and error and to the stimulus properties of handling. Automated shuttle runways are limited by the shuttle response itself. The response is difficult to learn and maintain because it requires that subjects leave an area associated with reinforcement. This report describes an automated analogue of the traditional straight alley that features unidirectional responding and a goal area physically removed from the runway after each trial. A series of studies demonstrate that rats and gerbils quickly acquire and maintain a stable appetitive running response. This response also provides a sensitive measure for the effects of conditioned fear.