Types of Rat Mazes

Classic Maze

• The classic maze is a standard-style maze. It is square in shape and has vertical walls throughout, with a clear top that allows researchers to observe the rats. When the rat runs into a wall, he tries a different path until he reaches the end where he gets an edible treat for completing the task to reinforce memory.

T-Maze

• The T-maze looks exactly like it sounds. Unlike the classic maze, which is in the shape of a square, this maze is shaped like a "T" with a clear top for viewing. The rat is placed at the bottom of the maze and an edible treat in a corner of one of the top ends. When the rat gets to the end of the long hallway, he has a choice to turn left or right. One way will have a treat, and the other way will be empty. When he chooses the correct option, he will be reinforced to take the same path again next time.

Y-Maze

• Y-mazes use the same basic concept as T-mazes. They are shaped in the form of a "Y" with a clear top. The rat starts the maze at the bottom of the "Y," and has a choice of turning left or right when he gets to the end of the hallway. One side will have a treat, the other will be empty. If he chooses the path with the treat, he will be reinforced with a treat so he remembers to take the same path in the future.

The Radial Arm Maze

• The radial arm maze is shaped like a circle. Its center is round, with long spokes serving as hallways for the rat pointing outwards. Some radial arm mazes have eight spokes, some have 12 and others have 16. Each spoke has an edible treat at the end of the hallway. This maze tests short term memory to see if the rat will go back again after he has already eaten a food pellet.