Morris Water Maze Online
The protocol, step by step
Here's the classic recipe. Labs tweak it, but if you're new to the maze, start here.
- Set up: the pool, opaque water at a constant temperature, a hidden platform and distal cues around the room.
- Handle the animals for a few days before testing begins.
- Acquisition: 4 trials a day for 4 to 6 days from varied start points, up to 60 to 90 s per trial. Gently guide any animal that doesn't find the platform.
- Platform rest: 10 to 30 s on the platform after each trial, time to take in the view.
- Probe: remove the platform and allow a 60 s swim, usually 24 h after the last training trial.
- Controls: a visible-platform session to check vision and motivation.
- Optional: reversal learning, with the platform moved.
The standard reference is Vorhees & Williams (2006).