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A Method for Evaluating Timeliness and Accuracy of Volitional Motor Responses to Vibrotactile Stimuli

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A simple 2-transistor touch or lick detector circuit.

Burton Slotnick¹

¹Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA. slotnic@american.edu

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

|October 2, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed an affordable, battery-powered circuit for rodent behavioral studies. This device functions as both a lickometer and a contact detector, simplifying data collection.

Keywords:

contact detector lickometer touch circuit

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Neuroscience
Animal Behavior Research
Neuroscience Instrumentation

Background:

Behavioral studies in rodents often require specialized equipment for precise measurement.
Existing lickometers and contact detectors can be costly or complex to construct.
There is a need for accessible tools in rodent behavioral research.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the construction of an inexpensive, battery-operated circuit.
To present a versatile device usable as a lickometer and contact detector.
To facilitate behavioral studies in rodents with accessible technology.

Main Methods:

The study details the design and assembly of a simple electronic circuit.
The circuit is powered by a battery for portability and ease of use.
Construction utilizes readily available and inexpensive components.

Main Results:

An easily constructed and inexpensive circuit was successfully developed.
The device functions effectively as a lickometer for measuring licking behavior.
The circuit also serves as a reliable contact detector for various applications.

Conclusions:

The described circuit offers a cost-effective solution for rodent behavioral research.
This accessible tool can enhance the capabilities of laboratories with limited budgets.
The device provides a practical method for monitoring rodent interactions and behaviors.