This vibrant collection delivers a laboratory roadmap of testing cognition in the rodent. While rodents and mazes are the main center and focus of this book, many aspects in the field of learning and memory are discussed and detailed, spanning from the molecular to the human, with every chapter delivering a comprehensive review of historical milestones in order to provide context for past discoveries, new findings, and future studies. Didactic foundations, operational definitions, and theory, as well as practical experimental and apparatus set-up, data analysis, and interpretation instructions are included in the first part of the book, while part two contains step-by-step protocols, troubleshooting, and tips from experts in the field. Authoritative and inspirational, The Maze Book: Theories, Practice, and Protocols for Testing Rodent Cognition serves as a detailed and practical manual for scientists wishing to implement these tools in their laboratories and for scholars interested in this powerful field.

Provides a laboratory roadmap for testing cognition in rodents with a focus on a wide variety of mazes Includes step-by-step protocols for specific maze types, essential for reproducible results Contains key background and theory to accompany the practical techniques Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Rodent Mazes and Memory: Continuing the Search for the Engram.- The Mazes.- The Watermaze.- Behavioral Consequences of Early Disruption and Injury to the Developing Brain: Studying Rodent Models.- Insights into Age-Related Cognitive Decline: Coupling Neurophysiological and Behavioral Approaches.- Organization and Structure of Brain Systems Supporting Memory.- Pharmacologically Manipulating Learning and Memory.- Stress and Spatial Maze Performance in the Rat.- Genetically Modified Rodent Models: A New Generation of Translational Cognitive Science.- Epigenetics of Cognition and Neurodegenerative Disorders.- The Importance of Incorporating Both Sexes and Embracing Hormonal Diversity When Conducting Rodent Behavioral Assays.- A Primer of Methods in Biobehavioral Research: Improving a Study's Design, Analysis, and Write Up.- Optimal Guidelines for Monitoring and Maintaining Rodent Health for Behavioral Research: What's Right with My Rodent?.- General Water-Escape Maze Testing Necessities and Guidelines for Rodents.- Water Radial-Arm Maze: 4 out of 8 Arms Platformed Protocol for Rodents.- Water Radial-Arm Maze: 7 Out of 8 Arms Platformed Protocol for Rodents.- Land Radial-Arm Maze: 8 Out of 8 Arms Baited with Food Protocol for Rodents.- Delayed Match to Sample Protocol for Rodents.- Morris Maze Protocol for Rodents.- The Visible Platform Protocol for Rodents.