Five Choice Serial Reaction Time Task (5CSRTT)
Operant conditioning chamber for measuring attention, impulse control, and executive function in rodents through five-choice spatial discrimination tasks.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Five Choice Serial Reaction Time Task (5CSRTT) fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
Already working with us? Sign in to connect this with My Scientist.
The Five Choice Serial Reaction Time Task (5CSRTT) is a standardized operant conditioning apparatus designed to measure attention, impulse control, and executive function in rodents. This behavioral testing system presents subjects with five spatial choice options in a controlled chamber environment, allowing researchers to assess sustained attention performance, premature responding, and response accuracy under varying stimulus conditions. The apparatus features five nose-poke apertures with LED visual stimuli, automated pellet dispensing for reinforcement, and comprehensive data collection capabilities through integrated software systems.
Available in configurations for both mice and rats, the 5CSRTT incorporates precise timing controls for stimulus presentation, inter-trial intervals, and response detection. The system includes shock grid capabilities for punishment paradigms, removable waste collection systems for extended testing sessions, and sound-proof isolation to minimize environmental interference. The apparatus integrates with Conductor and ConductVision software platforms for protocol management, real-time monitoring, and data analysis of attention-related behavioral measures.
How It Works
The 5CSRTT operates on principles of operant conditioning and spatial attention assessment. Subjects are presented with brief visual stimuli (LED lights) in one of five spatial locations (nose-poke apertures) during each trial. The animal must attend to the stimulus presentation and make a nose-poke response into the correct aperture within a defined response window to receive food reinforcement. Incorrect responses, omissions, or premature responses during the inter-trial interval are recorded as specific error types that reflect different aspects of attention and impulse control.
The apparatus employs infrared detection systems within each aperture to precisely register nose-poke responses and measure reaction times. Stimulus duration, inter-trial intervals, and reinforcement schedules are programmable through the integrated software, allowing researchers to manipulate task difficulty and cognitive load. The shock grid component enables implementation of punishment contingencies for incorrect responses, while the pellet dispenser provides automated reward delivery. Environmental isolation through sound-proof housing ensures consistent testing conditions and minimizes external distractions that could confound attention measurements.
Features & Benefits
nose_poke_apertures
- 5
shock_current_range
- 0.1 to 4.0 mA in 0.1 mA steps
mouse_grid_rod_diameter
- 3mm
mouse_grid_spacing
- 5mm
rat_grid_rod_diameter
- 6mm
rat_grid_spacing
- 10mm
light_volume_range
- 0-100 with step 1
light_measurement_unit
- Lux
air_circulation
- one fan on the back wall
configurable_color_lights
- optional
software_compatibility
- ['Conductor', 'ConductVision']
pellet_dispenser
- Maze Engineers' Pellet Dispenser
shock_generator_location
- separate component outside the Isolation Cubicle
removable_grid
- yes
Behavioral Construct
- Sustained attention
- Impulse control
- Executive function
- Response inhibition
- Choice reaction time
- Cognitive flexibility
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- Sound-proof insulation material
Display Type
- LED
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Aging Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Neuroscience
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 6.06 kg
Dimensions
- L: 65.0 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Choice Locations | 5 nose-poke apertures with individual LED stimuli | Entry-level systems often provide 2-3 choice options | More spatial locations increase task complexity and provide better assessment of attention span and working memory capacity. |
| Shock Current Precision | 0.1-4.0 mA in 0.1 mA steps with separate generator unit | Basic systems may offer broader step increments or limited current ranges | Fine current control enables precise motivation manipulation and strain-specific calibration for consistent behavioral effects. |
| Species Configurations | Purpose-built mouse and rat versions with species-specific dimensions | Single-size chambers with adjustable components | Optimized aperture sizing and chamber dimensions ensure appropriate spatial scaling for natural behavioral expression. |
| Detection Technology | Infrared beam-break detection in each aperture | Mechanical microswitches or capacitive sensors | Infrared detection eliminates mechanical wear issues and provides more sensitive response detection with precise timing measurement. |
| Environmental Isolation | Sound-proof insulation material with controlled ventilation | Basic enclosures with limited noise isolation | Comprehensive isolation ensures consistent testing conditions and reduces environmental confounds that could affect attention measurements. |
| LED Stimulus Control | 0-100 lux range with single-step resolution | Fixed intensity or limited adjustment options | Precise stimulus intensity control allows manipulation of task difficulty and assessment of attention thresholds across different lighting conditions. |
The 5CSRTT provides comprehensive attention assessment capabilities through five spatial choice locations, precise shock current control (0.1 mA steps), and species-optimized chamber configurations. The infrared detection system and sound-proof isolation ensure reliable data collection in controlled environmental conditions.
Practical Tips
Verify infrared beam alignment in all apertures weekly by testing response detection sensitivity with a pencil or similar object.
Why: Misaligned sensors can cause missed responses or false detections that compromise attention measurement accuracy.
Clean apertures and LED surfaces with alcohol wipes after each testing session to prevent buildup of oils and debris.
Why: Contaminated surfaces can reduce LED intensity and interfere with infrared detection, affecting stimulus presentation consistency.
Maintain consistent pellet brand and batch across experimental phases to prevent motivation changes due to palatability differences.
Why: Reinforcement value variations can confound attention measurements by altering subject motivation rather than cognitive performance.
If subjects show position bias toward specific apertures, verify LED intensity calibration and check for environmental lighting interference.
Why: Uneven stimulus salience across locations can create artificial spatial preferences that mask true attention performance.
Monitor session-by-session performance stability before introducing experimental manipulations to establish reliable baseline measures.
Why: Stable baseline performance ensures that experimental effects reflect treatment responses rather than ongoing learning or motivation changes.
Test shock current output with appropriate measurement equipment before each experimental series and maintain current logs.
Why: Accurate shock intensity is critical for consistent motivation effects and animal welfare compliance in punishment paradigms.
Allow minimum 23-hour intervals between sessions to prevent fatigue effects and maintain consistent motivation levels.
Why: Adequate inter-session intervals ensure that performance reflects attention capacity rather than fatigue or satiation effects.
If pellet dispenser jams frequently, check pellet size specification and inspect delivery chute for wear or debris accumulation.
Why: Reliable reinforcement delivery is essential for maintaining learned behavior and preventing extinction during testing sessions.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- 5CSRTT chamber with five nose-poke apertures
- LED stimulus system with infrared detection
- Pellet dispenser unit
- Shock grid assembly (removable)
- Food magazine
- Waste collection tray (removable)
- House light assembly
- Control interface cables
- User manual and protocol guide (typical)
- Software installation media (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support for setup, calibration, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
What training progression is typically required before subjects can perform the standard 5CSRTT protocol?
Subjects typically require 2-3 weeks of initial training starting with continuous reinforcement for any nose-poke response, progressing through stimulus duration fading (from 10s to 1-2s), and finally implementing the full protocol with limited hold periods and punishment contingencies for incorrect responses.
How does the infrared detection system differentiate between nose-poke responses and other chamber activity?
The infrared beam-break detection is positioned within each aperture at a depth that requires deliberate nose insertion rather than casual contact. The system registers response onset and offset timing to distinguish purposeful nose-pokes from incidental contact or grooming behaviors.
Can the shock intensity be calibrated for different subject weights and strain sensitivities?
Yes, the shock generator provides 0.1 mA step resolution from 0.1-4.0 mA, allowing precise adjustment based on subject characteristics. Typical starting intensities are 0.2-0.4 mA for mice and 0.3-0.6 mA for rats, with individual titration based on response suppression effects.
What data outputs are available for analysis of attention performance metrics?
The system records trial-by-trial data including response accuracy, reaction times, omissions, premature responses, perseverative responses, and magazine entries. Additional metrics include attention index calculations, impulse control ratios, and session-by-session learning curves exportable to standard analysis software.
How does chamber ventilation affect stimulus detection and behavior during long sessions?
The rear-wall fan provides continuous air circulation to prevent CO2 buildup and odor accumulation that could influence behavior. Fan noise is consistent and becomes part of the baseline environment, while proper ventilation maintains subject alertness during extended testing sessions.
What maintenance is required for the pellet dispenser and delivery accuracy?
Weekly inspection of pellet hopper levels, monthly cleaning of delivery chutes to prevent pellet dust buildup, and periodic calibration checks to ensure single-pellet delivery. Maze Engineers pellet dispensers require lubrication of mechanical components every 3-6 months depending on usage frequency.
Can the apparatus accommodate pharmacological studies with vehicle and drug treatment groups?
Yes, the programmable protocol parameters allow for consistent baseline testing followed by post-injection sessions. The system can store multiple protocol configurations for different experimental phases, and the isolation housing minimizes stress from injection procedures conducted outside the chamber.
Have a question about this product?
Upgrade Options
