Effects of THC on Behavior
Complete the practice subject A266 until each person in your group obtains consistent results for each of your dependent variables (you each need to get the same answer):
When you consistently obtain these results then you are ready to score each of the test subjects. Be sure to record the code number in the data set.
Use the following operational definitions to score your dependent variables.
Time in the light (anxiety) is scored by starting a timer whenever the subject has all four paws in the illuminated section of the chamber. The tail does not have to be in the light. If any paw is placed into the dark section of the apparatus then stop your timer and record the value (add up the total for each subject at the end). If you do not have a timer then you can count the number of times the animal goes into the illuminated section of the chamber (use the same 4- paw criteria described above).
The emergence latency (anxiety) is only scored once. Start a timer as soon as the door dividing the two chambers is opened. When the subject has placed all four paws into the illuminated section of the chamber then stop your timer. The tail does not have to be in the illuminated chamber. This behavior is scored only once at the start of the test session.
Rearing (motor and learning) is scored whenever the subject stands erect on their hind legs. The subject's back must be straight and the animal may or may not be bracing against the Plexiglass sides. The animal must be completely in the illuminated chamber to score a rear. Count each time that a rear occurs.
Crossings/spontaneous activity (motor) can be scored several ways. The first step is to decide on a method of dividing the test chamber (e.g., in quarters, halves,...). Then set up your screen with a string or tape to mark the divisions. Then simply count whenever the subject puts all four paws into each designated area (e.g., quadrant or half).
When you consistently obtain these results then you are ready to score each of the test subjects. Be sure to record the code number in the data set.
Use the following operational definitions to score your dependent variables.
Time in the light (anxiety) is scored by starting a timer whenever the subject has all four paws in the illuminated section of the chamber. The tail does not have to be in the light. If any paw is placed into the dark section of the apparatus then stop your timer and record the value (add up the total for each subject at the end). If you do not have a timer then you can count the number of times the animal goes into the illuminated section of the chamber (use the same 4- paw criteria described above).
The emergence latency (anxiety) is only scored once. Start a timer as soon as the door dividing the two chambers is opened. When the subject has placed all four paws into the illuminated section of the chamber then stop your timer. The tail does not have to be in the illuminated chamber. This behavior is scored only once at the start of the test session.
Rearing (motor and learning) is scored whenever the subject stands erect on their hind legs. The subject's back must be straight and the animal may or may not be bracing against the Plexiglass sides. The animal must be completely in the illuminated chamber to score a rear. Count each time that a rear occurs.
Crossings/spontaneous activity (motor) can be scored several ways. The first step is to decide on a method of dividing the test chamber (e.g., in quarters, halves,...). Then set up your screen with a string or tape to mark the divisions. Then simply count whenever the subject puts all four paws into each designated area (e.g., quadrant or half).