Abstract
Using a two-box apparatus, it was shown that back-handling, when temporally close to a step-through latency test, causes a conditioned avoidance response that inhibits the exploratory behavior of the rat. The amount of inhibition due to back-handling was compared with that due to tail-handling (previously published). No significant differences were found between the inhibitory effects of these two methods of handling rats. This result is discussed in relation to sensory input and predation simulation.
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The authors wish to express their thanks to A. Aiazzi, S. Batacchi, S. Cammarata, M. Dolfi, and A. Vannucchi for their technical assistance.
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Lorenzini, C.A., Bucherelli, C., Falchini, S. et al. Equivalent aversiveness of back- and tail-handling in the rat. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 28, 437–440 (1990). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03334061
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03334061