Experimental Analysis of Behavior
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This summer I had the opportunity to work in the Experimental Analysis of Behavior lab under the supervision of Dr. Adam Fox. We used Long Evans Spontaneously Hyperactive Rat strain for the project which aimed to investigate time perception in the SHR rats with ADHD. For the project we collected data using the temporal bisection task. I was particularly interested because most college students and young children suffer from ADHD. ADHD being one of the most diagnosed and rapidly disorders among children and young adults. General and most common symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
My responsibilities in the lab included training new team members on proper animal handling techniques to ensure the well-being of the rats and the accuracy of our data collection and analysis. My research team and I had four shifts (putting the animals in the operant chambers) including two shifts of weighing and feeding for the data collection process, ensuring that the temporal bisection task was conducted consistently and meticulously. This task involved presenting the rats with stimuli of varying durations and recording their responses, which provided insights into their perception of time.
Through this project, I gained valuable experience in experimental design, data analysis, and the practical aspects of working with animal models. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in preparing me for my upcoming PhD studies, which I will begin in August. The skills I developed in this lab, such as attention to detail, problem-solving, and collaboration, have laid a strong foundation for my future academic and research endeavors.