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Updated: Sep 29, 2025
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Morris Water Maze Experiment
Published on: September 24, 2008
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Morris water maze: a versatile and pertinent tool for assessing spatial learning and memory.
Muhammad Zulfadhli Othman1, Zurina Hassan2, Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has1
1Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kampus Kesihatan, Kubang Kerian, 16150 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Experimental Animals
|March 22, 2022
Summary
The Morris water maze is a valuable tool for studying spatial learning and memory. This review covers its history, advancements, and best practices for continued relevance in research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The Morris water maze has been a key tool for assessing spatial learning and memory for over 40 years.
- Its advantages include evaluating hippocampal-dependent memory and cross-species applicability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development and recent advancements of the Morris water maze.
- To discuss improvements and adaptations for addressing experimental and analysis limitations.
- To provide guidance on selecting optimal protocols and analysis paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical literature and recent research on the Morris water maze.
- Analysis of experimental and computerized advancements.
- Discussion of various test versions and analysis paradigms.
Main Results:
- The Morris water maze remains a pertinent tool due to its effectiveness and adaptability.
- Advancements in computerized analysis offer more comprehensive assessment capabilities.
- Identified limitations and potential improvements are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Careful selection of experimental protocols and analysis is crucial for maximizing the Morris water maze's utility.
- Adaptations ensure its continued relevance for studying spatial learning and memory mechanisms.
- The Morris water maze is likely to remain an important research instrument.
