The structure of non-human cognitive neuroscience: an epistemological critique.

Every scientific practice rests on implicit unrevised theoretical assumptions. Neuroscience, in particular, focuses on a very controversial object of study-the brain and is therefore prone to tacitly embrace philosophical positions in its everyday workings. It is thus, of utmost importance, to develop a critique of the structure of neuroscientific investigation so as to understand what the uncovered pillars of the field are, what pitfalls they may implicate and how we can correct them. In this paper, I gather the first critiques in animal cognitive neuroscience and hope to establish the first step in a continuous process of revision. By applying a conceptual division of neuroscience into cognitive, behavioral and neurobiological theories, I point out the main problems in articulating the three, based on actual scientific practice rather than purely theoretical reasoning. I conclude by proposing developments on behavioral theory and set an initial critique on assumptions on both cognitive and neurobiological theories.

Ecological validity of social interaction tests in rats and mice.

Different rat and mouse models are used in studies of social interactions. Simple behavioral measures, which are commonly used in the laboratory, allow to perform relatively short experiments and to use multiple brain manipulation techniques. However, too much focus on the simplest behavioral models generates a serious risk of reducing ecological validity or even studying phenomena which would never happen outside of the laboratory. In this review, we discuss the suitability of mice and rats as model organisms for studying social behaviors, with focus on social transmission of fear paradigms. First, we briefly introduce the concept of domestication and what impact it had on laboratory rodents. Then, we present two aspects of social behaviors, sociability and dominance, which are crucial for social organization in these species. Finally, we present experimental models used for studying how animals transmit information about danger between each other, and how these models may reflect what happens in the natural environment. We discuss the difficulties that arise from our limited knowledge of rat and mouse ecology, especially their social life. We also explore the subject of balancing ecological validity and controllability in rodent models of social behaviors, the latter being particularly important for studying brain activity. Although it is very challenging, an efficient program for social neuroscience research should, in our opinion, aim at bridging the gap between laboratory and field studies.

Decision-making behaviors: weighing ethology, complexity, and sensorimotor compatibility.

Rodent decision-making research aims to uncover the neural circuitry underlying the ability to evaluate alternatives and select appropriate actions. Designing behavioral paradigms that provide a solid foundation to ask questions about decision-making computations and mechanisms is a difficult and often underestimated challenge. Here, we propose three dimensions on which we can consider rodent decision-making tasks: ethological validity, task complexity, and stimulus-response compatibility. We review recent research through this lens, and provide practical guidance for researchers in the decision-making field.

From classic ethology to modern neuroethology: overcoming the three biases in social behavior research.

A typical current study investigating the neurobiology of animal behavior is likely restricted to male subjects, of standard inbred mouse strains, tested in simple behavioral assays under laboratory conditions. This approach enables the use of advanced molecular tools, alongside standardization and reproducibility, and has led to tremendous discoveries. However, the cost is a loss of genetic and phenotypic diversity and a divergence from ethologically-relevant behaviors. Here we review the pros and cons in behavioral neuroscience studies of the new era, focusing on reproductive behaviors in rodents. Recent advances in molecular technology and behavioral phenotyping in semi-natural conditions, together with an awareness of the critical need to study both sexes, may provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying social behaviors.

The effect of different working definitions on behavioral research involving stereotypies in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).

Many sources of variation in animal experiments are related to characteristics of the animal or its husbandry conditions. In ethologic studies, observational methods can also affect interexperimental variation. Different descriptions for a behavior can lead to divergent findings that may be incorrectly attributed to other factors if not recognized as stemming from a classification dissonance. Here we discuss 2 observational studies in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The first study describes how data vary when 2 different working definitions are used for stereotypic digging: WD(mor), a definition based on a morphologic description of the behavior, and WD(12), a definition that relies mainly on a duration criterion of digging bouts (greater than 12 s). The total duration and number of stereotypic bouts were 22.0% and 63.1% lower, respectively, when WD(12) was applied compared with WD(mor). However, strong correlations existed between data generated by WD(mor) and WD(12), indicating that the 2 definitions yielded qualitatively similar results. The second study provides the first report that laboratory gerbils develop stereotypic behavior that is characterized by alternating bouts of digging and bar-gnawing. Of the 1685 stereotypy bouts investigated, 9.1% comprised both stereotypies, 87.6% consisted of digging only, and 3.3% consisted of bar gnawing only. Working definitions that neglect combined stereotypies can result in considerable underestimation of stereotypic behavior in Mongolian gerbils.

Apuntes sobre la historia de la etología / An Account on the history of ethology

La Etología se ha definido tradicionalmente como ®el estudio biológico del comportamiento¼. Aunque sus estudios iniciales surgen desdela segunda mitad del siglo XIX, su reconocimiento como disciplinacientífica se fecha solamente a partir de 1973, cuando el premioNobel para la Medicina y la Fisiología se concede a tres de sus representantes más excepcionales: Konrad Lorenz, Niko Tinbergen y Karl von Frisch. En este texto, se emprende un viaje que incluyelas señales históricas principales de la Etología, con un énfasis especial en los aspectos conceptuales y teóricos. Esta revisión ilustra el establecimiento de la Etología como disciplina, así como unavisión de su desarrollo y madurez. Finalmente, se analiza el nacimientode la subdivisión conocida como etología humana junto con sus tendencias contemporáneas.

The design and calibration of a startle measurement system.

The present study sought to determine appropriate instrumentation for amplification and calibration of cages used to measure the acoustic startle response in rats. Fourier analysis indicated that the characteristic frequency of the rat startle response is about 5-15 Hz. This value was consistent in cages differing widely in resonant frequency, among several different transducers and across a range of large and small startle responses. Given this characteristic frequency range of startle, it is suggested that amplifiers fitted with band pass filters centered at about 10 Hz should be ideal for measuring startle while simultaneously excluding non-startle activity. A device is described which vibrates startle cages at 10 Hz, since this seems most appropriate for calibrating the sensitivity of a startle system. Data are presented showing that this type of calibrator is more valid than an impact-type calibrator.