Abstract
Behavioral research is often enhanced by automated techniques, where experimental parameters and detection of behavior are controlled by electromechanical systems. Automated research promotes refinements in measurement, greater experimental control, longer durations of data collection, reduction of observer fatigue, and may permit new types of research to be conducted. In comparative psychology, use of automated techniques are often restricted to popular model organisms of fields such as behavior analysis and behavioral neuroscience. One factor contributing to this species-restriction may be the availability of automated research equipment, as most commercial research equipment is designed for rodents, and many researchers lack the skills required to create their own automated equipment. However, there are alternatives to commercial equipment, as some behavioral scientists have made available their own species-flexible, low-cost research equipment. In this paper, we provide three reviews. We first review recent trends in automated comparative psychology research, and then relate this to a second review on currently available automated research equipment. We also review affordable alternatives to commercial equipment that have been designed by behavioral scientists. Finally, we discuss useful technological skills that may allow comparative psychologists to take automation into their own hands and design equipment specific to their species and research topic.
Highlights
Behavioral research is often enhanced by automated techniques, where experimental parameters and detection of behavior are controlled by electromechanical systems
Comparative research has been enhanced by use of automated procedures, in which recording behavioral variables and environmental manipulation is controlled by an electromechanical system
Even when not considering the 11.84% of equipment designed for rodent-specific tasks, rodent equipment still accounted for 76.62% of all offered equipment
Summary
Behavioral research is often enhanced by automated techniques, where experimental parameters and detection of behavior are controlled by electromechanical systems. There are alternatives to commercial equipment, as some behavioral scientists have made available their own species-flexible, low-cost research equipment. Comparative psychology has often struggled to maintain a truly comparative focus (Burghardt, 2006), and this may be especially true for automated research as equipment is often available for only the most popular species. A new researcher-driven movement in low-cost automation has permitted many laboratories to move away from reliance on commercial equipment. This may be the start of a new direction for truly comparative automated research. We review low-cost alternatives to commercial equipment, and discuss how they may provide new opportunities for research in comparative psychology. Birds were consistently studied but the number of experiments involving reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates were very limited
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