title: An inexpensive new device to provide random rewards for behavioral studies.
abstract: Behavior modification in rats often involves controlling the frequency of providing food rewards. This is accomplished with computer-controlled devices or equipment purchased specifically for this purpose. Investigators currently choose from a few commercially available models, but each has its disadvantages or limitations, including a high cost (about US$1000). Computer-controlled devices can also be expensive and need a dedicated machine and software packages to perform the tasks. We designed a custom-built device to reward an action randomly from 1 out of 10 times to 10 out of 10 times. The device can be manufactured easily and inexpensively (about US$150). It has been in use for several months in our laboratories with no malfunctions.
authors.affiliation: Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Micro Surgery, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Firrell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000502:physiology*; D004581:Electronics; D005502:Food; D011589:Psychology, Experimental / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D012201:Reward; D012984:Software