The empathy assay was first described in the literature by Jeon et al (2011) and is an excellent tool to interrogate observational fear. The MazeEngineers apparatus comes with two key components: A double-chambered acrylic chamber with two-foot shock-controlled grids, each of which can be controlled independently with our included Conductor Software. This apparatus is then placed inside of a standard, basic isolation chamber. Upgrades in this chamber to include sound and light cues can be done. Please inquire for more information.

The apparatus for the Empathy assay includes a sound-attenuating cubicle with a fan within which an observational fear-conditioning chamber is placed. The fear-conditioning chamber is composed of two chambers that are separated by a transparent Plexiglas divider. The chambers are 18 x 17.5 x 38 cm each with 5 mm diameter stainless steel rods (0.7 cm apart) placed parallel on the floor.

A programmable, computer-controlled shocking system is also used to administer foot shock to the demonstrator conspecific. Two plates are included and both plates can be controlled separately.

Emotional empathy can be studied as a precursor to fear response arising from observing a conspecific experiencing an aversive stimulus. The novel environment tends to reduce the effect of the previous day’s fear conditioning during the 24-hour memory test.

Maze Engineers offer the Empathy Assay Test