Factors Affecting Perceptual Functioning and Activity in Albino Rats

Abstract

The effects of crowding and estrus cycling upon visual observing behavior and general activity level in the albino rat were investigated. Experimental groups were composed of non-estrus or estrus females and were subjected to one of three different crowding conditions. Measures of the frequency and duration of observing of photographic slides were taken as well as a measure of general activity. Slides were composed of either geometric patterns or color photographs depicting rats in various social postures. Contrary to previous reports, observing measures did not vary with levels of crowding or stage of estrus. There were, however, differences among the various crowded conditions on a measure of general activity. Relatively short-term crowding was shown to affect estrus based cyclical variation in activity and observing.