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Small Animal Behavior Core Laboratory
Services
Two-Trial Novel Object Recognition Task
Description: In the two-trial novel object recognition task, a rodent
is placed in an enclosure and exposed for a set length of time to two
identical objects that are located a specified distance from each other. The
rodent is then removed from the environment and a predetermined amount of
time is allowed to pass. The subject is then retested in the same
environment except that one of the two previously used (familiar) objects is
replaced with a novel object that differs from the familiar object in shape,
texture and appearance (e.g., plastic block is replaced with a metal ball),
and the rodent’s behavior is recorded.
Purpose: The recognition test is based on the natural tendency of
rodents to investigate a novel object instead of a familiar one. The choice
to explore the novel object reflects the use of learning and (recognition)
memory processes.
