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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

A Behavioral Assay for Investigating the Role of Spatial Memory During Instinctive Defense in Mice

A Behavioral Assay for Investigating the Role of Spatial Memory During Instinctive Defense in Mice

Published on: July 21, 2018

Protocol for Short- and Longer-term Spatial Learning and Memory in Mice.

Emily F Willis¹, Perry F Bartlett², Jana Vukovic^1,2

¹School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience

|November 2, 2017

Summary

The active place avoidance (APA) task provides a robust method for assessing spatial learning and memory in rodents. This protocol details a novel paradigm for evaluating short-term and long-term memory, and cognitive flexibility.

Keywords:

acquisition active place avoidance cognition hippocampus learning neurogenesis

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Behavioral Science

Background:

The hippocampus is crucial for spatial learning and memory.
Rodent models are essential for studying cognitive functions.
Objective behavioral tests are needed to assess hippocampal function.

Purpose of the Study:

To detail a novel protocol for the hippocampal-dependent active place avoidance (APA) task.
To assess short-term and long-term spatial learning and memory.
To evaluate cognitive flexibility using a reversal learning paradigm.

Main Methods:

The active place avoidance (APA) task involves mice avoiding a shock zone in a rotating arena.
Visual cues are integrated for spatial orientation.
The protocol measures acquisition over a single trial (short-term memory) and consecutive days (long-term memory).

Main Results:

The APA task protocol is robust and yields replicable results.
It enables assessment of subtle changes in spatial learning and memory.
The task can be adapted to measure cognitive flexibility.

Conclusions:

The described APA task protocol is a valuable tool for hippocampal research.
It allows for precise measurement of spatial memory and cognitive flexibility in rodents.
This paradigm facilitates the study of experimental interventions affecting spatial cognition.