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Familiarity and Mate Preference Assessment with the Partner Preference Test
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California.
Current Protocols
|June 21, 2021
Summary
Prairie voles, known for monogamous pair bonding, are key models for social relationship research. The partner preference test assesses familiarity preferences and relationship formation mechanisms in voles and other species.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Social Neuroscience
Background:
- Prairie voles exhibit socially monogamous behavior and lasting social preferences, making them a crucial model organism for studying social relationships.
- The partner preference test is a widely used laboratory assay to evaluate familiarity preference and social bonding in prairie voles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide detailed instructions for conducting the classic partner preference test and its variations, including same-sex peer preference tests.
- To examine the influence of various protocol parameters and social variables on partner preference test outcomes.
- To offer guidance on data scoring and statistical analysis for partner preference tests.
Main Methods:
- Detailed protocol for the classic partner preference test involving extended interaction periods and huddling behavior.
- Exploration of protocol variations: cohousing duration, separation intervals, tethers vs. barriers, apparatus configuration, and test duration.
- Consideration of social variables: sex of focal individual/conspecifics, reproductive state, and application in different species.
Main Results:
- The partner preference test effectively measures familiarity preference and has been adapted for diverse social contexts and species.
- Protocol and social variables significantly impact the observed partner preferences, highlighting the test's sensitivity.
- Sample data and analytical approaches are provided to facilitate consistent and robust interpretation of results.
Conclusions:
- The partner preference test is a versatile and valuable tool for investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of social relationships and pair bonding.
- Understanding the effects of early life experiences and environmental exposures on social behavior can be facilitated by this assay.
- The described protocol variations and analytical guidelines enhance the applicability and reliability of the partner preference test across research settings.
Keywords:
familiarity preferencepartner preferencepartner preference testprairie volesocial behaviorsocial recognitionMore Related Videos
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