A computerized data management system for behavioral teratology studies

A computerized system was designed for behavioral teratology studies to (1) generate preprinted data recording/submission forms, (2) calculate testing dates, (3) generate a daily activity schedule for testing, and (4) update established data sets for access by data entry personnel. The computer-generated forms are used to record data from the following behavioral/developmental tests for rats: pup weights, pinna detachment, surface righting, cliff avoidance, incisor eruption, eye opening, negative geotaxis, olfactory discrimination, swimming development, open field, swimming maze and operant visual discrimination learning. Three behavioral teratology studies have been conducted in our laboratory using this computerized system. The human error rates in these studies were 0.26, 0.34 and 0.46 percent, respectively. The advantages of this system include: (1) computer-calculated test dates; (2) elimination of manual data transcription; (3) more consistent data recording and scoring conditions; (4) better scheduling control; and (5) faster data entry and statistical analysis.