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Factor analysis of rat behavior in an open field test

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Conclusions

  1. 1.

    The main portion (60%) of the variance of the behavior of Wistar rats in the open field test can be due to the effect of only three principal factors (components).

  2. 2.

    An analysis of the behavioral structure of these components showed that they can be designated as “exploration” (first component), “fear” (second), and “shifted activity” (third).

  3. 3.

    The overall motor activity in the open field test has a two-factor basis, and an investigation of the temporal dynamics of the given index is required for its factorial separation.

  4. 4.

    Classification of animals according to the principle of the relationship of the principal components (motivations) in determination of their behavior can be carried out on the basis of factor analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Genetic Bases of Neuroendocrine Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Novosibirsk

    A. L. Markel', Yu. K. Galaktionov & V. M. Efimov

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  1. A. L. Markel'
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  2. Yu. K. Galaktionov
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  3. V. M. Efimov
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Translated from Zhurnal Vysshei Nervnoi Deyatel'nosti imeni I. P. Pavlova, Vol. 38, No. 5, pp. 855–863, September–October, 1988.

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Markel', A.L., Galaktionov, Y.K. & Efimov, V.M. Factor analysis of rat behavior in an open field test. Neurosci Behav Physiol 19, 279–286 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01236015

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