Effects of Odour Trials on Open-Field Behavior in Rat

Abstract

This experiment extended the findings of Whittier and McReynolds in regard to the effects of odour trails left by an animal in the open field. Each rat was placed for 10 min. in the open field, one-half of which had just been occupied by another rat for 5 min. There was no over-all significant preference or tendency to spend more time on either side. However, male Ss spent significantly more time on the side where females were placed previously and female Ss spent more time on the previously unoccupied side. Ss spent more time on the side where they were placed first.