The exact null distribution for radial maze statistics: A FORTRAN 77 program

Performance in the radial-arm maze may be assessed by comparing the number of correct responses or, alternatively, the number of repetition errors with that expected if a subject were simply selecting a location at random on each choice. Previous attempts to estimate the null distribution of correct responses or repetition errors have re-lied on computer simulation. In the present approach, a direct analytic argument is used to derive exact expressions for the probability density functions of these random variables. Knowledge of the exact null distributions provides the researcher with enhanced analytic capabilities. For example, it supplies the means of constructing an exact test of significance to evaluate performance at the level of a single subject A FORTRAN 77 program is provided to compute the null distribution of correct responses and repetition errors as well as their respective expectations and variances. Application of the technique to other situations is described briefly.