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
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
Not specified • Not specified • Not specified • Not specified
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Protocol Steps
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”