Source Paper
Morris water maze: procedures for assessing spatial and related forms of learning and memory
Charles V Vorhees, Michael T Williams
Nature Protocols • 2006
Morris Water Maze
Objective: Test of spatial learning and memory in rodents where animals navigate from start locations around a swimming arena perimeter to locate a submerged escape platform using distal cues
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Protocol Steps
Spatial Learning Assessment
Assess spatial learning across repeated trials using distal cues to navigate to the submerged escape platform
Note: Relies on distal cues for navigation
View evidence from paper
“Spatial learning is assessed across repeated trials and reference memory is determined by preference for the platform area when the platform is absent”
Reference Memory Testing
Determine reference memory by measuring preference for the platform area when the platform is absent
View evidence from paper
“reference memory is determined by preference for the platform area when the platform is absent”
Reversal and Shift Trials
Perform reversal and shift trials to enhance detection of spatial impairments
Note: These modifications enhance detection of spatial impairments
View evidence from paper
“Reversal and shift trials enhance the detection of spatial impairments”
Trial-Dependent, Latent and Discrimination Learning Assessment
Assess trial-dependent, latent and discrimination learning using modifications of the basic protocol
Note: These are modifications of the basic protocol
View evidence from paper
“Trial-dependent, latent and discrimination learning can be assessed using modifications of the basic protocol”
Search-to-Platform Area Analysis
Determine the degree of reliance on spatial versus non-spatial strategies by analyzing search-to-platform area
View evidence from paper
“Search-to-platform area determines the degree of reliance on spatial versus non-spatial strategies”
Cued Trials
Perform cued trials to determine whether performance factors unrelated to place learning are present
Note: Helps identify non-spatial performance factors
View evidence from paper
“Cued trials determine whether performance factors that are unrelated to place learning are present”