Using touchscreen equipped operant chambers to study animal cognition. Benefits, limitations, and advice

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246446
• Publication Date: 2021-02-20T03:11:14Z
• Authors: Benjamin M. Seitz; Kelsey McCune; Maggie MacPherson; Luisa Bergeron; Aaron P. Blaisdell; Corina J. Logan
• Keywords: Touchscreen; Animal cognition; Operant conditioning; Animal Behavior

Operant chambers are small enclosures used to test animal behavior and cognition. While traditionally reliant on simple technologies for presenting stimuli (e.g., lights sounds) recording responses made basic manipulanda levers buttons), an increasing number of researchers beginning use Touchscreen-equipped Chambers (TOCs). These TOCs have obvious advantages, namely by allowing present a near infinite visual as well increased flexibility in the types that can be recorded. We trained wild-caught adult juvenile great-tailed grackles ( Quiscalus mexicanus ) complete experiments using TOC. learned much from these efforts, outline advantages disadvantages our protocols. Our training data summarized quantify variables might influence participation success, we discuss important modifications facilitate engagement various tasks. Finally, provide “training guide” creating PsychoPy, free open-source software was incredibly useful during endeavors. This article, therefore, should serve resource those interested switching or maintaining TOC, who similarly wish TOC cognitive abilities non-model species individuals.