Michael Harvey's Behavioral Study

The Gadget Master Controls Behavioral Testing

We have been using the Gadget Master to control a custom made operant chamber for the behavioral testing of rats. Specifically we use it to monitor inputs, lever presses, and control outputs, house lights, stimulus lights, tones etc. We also use it to turn a stepper motor that rotates our visual stimulus. For us the Gadget Master has proven to be an inexpensive, reliable and quite flexible, alternative to commercially available behavioral testing packages. In addition it provides a good introduction to anyone wanting to learn the basics of computer interfacing. I highly recommend this product.

Michael Harvey PhD

Our testing arena is composed of two levers, a dipper for delivery of chocloate milk rewards, a visual stimulus panel, an audio speaker, as well as house, stimulus, and reward lights...all controlled by the Gadget Master!
Another image of our arena, but showing the position of the stimulus disc behind the stimulus window.
Our visual stimulus is controlled by rotating this disk into the stimulus window. Rotation of the disk is achieved by interfacing the Gadget Master with a stepper motor.
Chocolate milk rewards are delivered by a motor driven dipper located beneath the chamber, and controlled by the Gadget Master.
A rat making a decision...

Good Luck with your project!

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