Visual Contrast Detection Task
Objective: Train mice to detect visual contrast in a two-alternative forced-choice task using operant conditioning and measure psychometric performance and contrast sensitivity
This is a Visual Contrast Detection Task protocol using mouse as the model organism. The procedure involves 3 procedural steps, 1 equipment items. Extracted from a 2011 paper published in Journal of Neuroscience.
Model and subjects
mouse • Not specified • unknown • Not specified • Not specified
Study window
~4 week study window
Core workflow
Operant conditioning training initiation • Psychometric curve generation • Behavioral performance measurement
Primary readouts
- Psychometric curves
- Contrast sensitivity measures
- Behavioral choices in response to visual contrast
- Influence of reward value on choices
Key equipment and reagents
Verified items
0
Direct vendor links
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Protocol Steps
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Operant conditioning training initiation
Begin training mice to detect visual contrast using operant conditioning in a two-alternative forced-choice task
Note: Training duration of 3-4 weeks required before mice performed hundreds of trials per session
View evidence from paper
“After 3–4 weeks of training, mice performed hundreds of trials in each session”
Psychometric curve generation
Conduct multiple sessions to generate high-quality psychometric curves from which contrast sensitivity measures are inferred
Note: Numerous sessions yielded high-quality psychometric curves
View evidence from paper
“Numerous sessions yielded high-quality psychometric curves from which we inferred measures of contrast sensitivity”
Behavioral performance measurement
Measure mouse choices influenced by contrast, reward value estimates, and history-dependent factors such as recent failures and rewards
Note: Choices were influenced by multiple factors beyond contrast alone
View evidence from paper
“In multiple sessions, however, choices were influenced not only by contrast, but also by estimates of reward value and by irrelevant factors such as recent failures and rewards”