The Effects Of Social Interaction On A Novel Object Recognition Test

Social Interaction and its Effects on a Novel Object Recognition Test There are many different ways to test memory and approach behavior, but one of the most popular for rat models is the novel object recognition test. The novel object recognition test is a simple behavioral analysis of memory that is influenced by a rat’s natural exploratory behavior. The test is a simple analysis because there is generally an absence of outside rules or reinforcement at baseline. Outside influences can be introduced to measure attention, anxiety, working memory, and preference to novelty is rats. The novel object recognition test can also be used to test the effects pharmacological treatments (Antunes & Biala, 2012). In the novel object recognition test, there are no external forces, so it is a relatively short process to complete. The test is completed in three phases: habituation, familiarization, and the test phase. During habituation, each rat is allowed to explore the empty arena freely for a set amount of time. During familiarization, each rat is placed back in the same arena containing a single object for a set amount of time. There is then a retention interval between familiarization and the test phase to allow the rat to retain its memory of the original object. During the test phase, the rat is returned to the arena with two objects, the old …show more content…
Infant rats that undergo a two-week social isolation from the mother show the greatest decrease in long-term social behavior and cognitive function. Adolescent rats show some social avoidance after being reintroduced to other rats but tend to return back to normal behavior soon after. Aged rats show anxiety-like behavior and a somewhat impaired cognitive function after social isolation. However, this impairment may also be influenced by age because age is associated with a decline of cognitive functions (Douglas et al., 2004; Shoji & Mizoguchi,