A comprehensive analysis of single-trial and criterion maze learning in three inbred strains of mice

A six-unit, appetitively motivated, brightness discrimination maze for mice was employed to examine the learning of males and females of three inbred strains of mice (A/J, C57BL/6J, DBA/2J). Error measures indexed memory for the maze habit, while latency measures also indexed performance factors unrelated to memory. Strain differences with respect to latency measures, but not error measures, were found. These results were interpreted to indicate an essential similarity in the memory capabilities of these strains for the task employed. It was concluded that this task would be appropriate for studies of memory functioning in mice that desire to manipulate both physiological and genetic variables.