Models & Assays
Morris Water Maze
The Morris Water Maze is a test of spatial learning and memory. Various test designs are available although a typical design may involve an initial cued learning phase (visible platform of variable location) followed by a hidden platform test phase (hidden platform of fixed location). Probe tests (i.e., platform removed) conducted at various stages of the hidden platform test phase serve to examine accuracy of spatial learning and retention of this information. The test is readily adaptable to both the rat and mouse, and virtual technology has enabled equivalent tests to be conducted in humans.
Validation Data: Age-dependent impairment in learning and memory assessed by the water maze task.
