Notably, and as reviewed by others (e.g., ), TOCs allow for the presentation of virtually any combination of visual and/or auditory stimuli. There are a number of advantages associated with using TOCs compared to traditional OCs or open field tasks. Our aim here is to briefly describe the advantages and disadvantages of TOCs for animal cognitive testing, report data summarizing our efforts to train several grackles, and finally, to provide a “training guide” to facilitate the use of TOCs in non-model species while using open-source software.Īdvantages and disadvantages of touchscreen-equipped operant chambers (TOCs) Extensive modifications to procedures used with laboratory pigeons were required to train grackles to use such an apparatus. We embarked on an investigation using TOCs in wild-caught adult great-tailed grackles ( Quiscalus mexicanus hereafter grackles) that were temporarily held in aviaries. This distinction is relevant to the ability to generalize TOC procedures across groups because captive-reared animals often have different ontogenetic experiences that affect their motivation to interact with, and performance on, behavioral tasks compared to wild conspecifics. There is a paucity of information about how to train such individuals to use a TOC, potentially because OCs and TOCs were tailored to the behavior and characteristics of model species, which could explain the difficulty in training non-model species and the increased variability in training success and performance. However, rarely has the use of this method been described in wild-caught individuals from non-model species (but see ). TOCs have also been used to study non-model species such as bears, dogs, and tortoises in captivity. TOCs are now commonplace in studies utilizing more traditional laboratory animals such as rodents, primates, and pigeons. However, these technologies have been primarily used with captive-reared model species, thus limiting our ability to generalize results to naturalistic conditions (due to the intentional or unintentional artificial selection that is often involved ) and make cross-species generalizations about cognitive abilities.Īs technologies advance, many researchers have transitioned to using touchscreen-equipped operant chambers (TOCs) because they confer a number of advantages (see below). Critical to the OC is also the ability to present a variety of stimuli (e.g., auditory and visual cues) as well as biologically significant outcomes (e.g., food or shock) that are often contingent on the animal’s interactions with the manipulanda. levers, buttons, chains) and responses made to them are recorded by a computer. While many variations exist, an operant chamber (OC) typically consists of a small enclosure with one or several manipulanda (e.g. Perhaps the most influential technology developed to study animal cognition is the “operant chamber” (also referred to as the Skinner Box). Given the so-called black box paradox of studying cognition, where behavioral measures are used to infer cognitive abilities, a number of technologies have been developed that measure behavioral responses to a variety of stimulus inputs. This article, therefore, should serve as a resource to those interested in switching to or maintaining a TOC, or who similarly wish to use a TOC to test the cognitive abilities of non-model species or wild-caught individuals.Ī number of scientific disciplines including behavioral neuroscience, experimental psychology, ethology, and ecology, aim to understand the cognitive abilities of animals. Finally, we provide a “training guide” for creating experiments using PsychoPy, a free and open-source software that was incredibly useful during these endeavors. Our training data are summarized to quantify the variables that might influence participation and success, and we discuss important modifications to facilitate animal engagement and participation in various tasks. We learned much from these efforts, and outline the advantages and disadvantages of our protocols. We trained wild-caught adult and juvenile great-tailed grackles ( Quiscalus mexicanus) to complete experiments using a TOC. These TOCs have obvious advantages, namely by allowing researchers to present a near infinite number of visual stimuli as well as increased flexibility in the types of responses that can be made and recorded. While traditionally reliant on simple technologies for presenting stimuli (e.g., lights and sounds) and recording responses made to basic manipulanda (e.g., levers and buttons), an increasing number of researchers are beginning to use Touchscreen-equipped Operant Chambers (TOCs). Operant chambers are small enclosures used to test animal behavior and cognition.
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