Abstract
The relationship between litter size and emotional reactivity in BALB/c mice was investigated. Emotional reactivity was measured by obtaining data on activity level, quadrants traversed, and defecation in an automated open field for 3 consecutive days, beginning at 60 days of age. Groups of mice were reared in litter sizes of nine, three, and one. On the measures of activity level and quadrants traversed, mice reared in large litters displayed more emotional reactivity than those reared in small litters. The problem of defecation as a reliable index of emotional reactivity was discussed.
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This research was partially funded by a release time grant award from the Office of Sponsored Research at the University of South Florida.
This paper is sponsored by David E. Clement, who takes responsibility for its contents.
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LaBarba, R.C., White, J.L., Stewart, A. et al. The effects of litter size on emotional reactivity in BALB/c mice. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 1, 37–38 (1973). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03333332
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03333332