A computer-aided procedure for measuring discrimination learning.

A computer program is described for a two-choice black-white T-maze discrimination task involving 10 trials per day for 5 days. A Gellerman series of 44 semirandom L/R sequences is included within the program to specify the location of the reinforcing stimulus on each trial. A picture of the T-maze appears on the screen, and the experimenter tracks the animals's movements as it goes through the maze. At the end of the 10 trials, the following statistical information is obtained: number of initial choices into the left alley, number of correct choices, number of trials in which no choice was made, median time to make a choice, and a learning score based upon the path taken by the animal. These data are then sent to Excel for statistical processing.