Open Field and Water Wading as Tests of Emotionality in Rats

Abstract

20 male and 20 female Wistar rats were assessed for open-field defecation and ambulation and for water wading defecation. Defecation in the two places was not correlated. While there was a significant inverse relationship between ambulation and defecation in the open field, ambulation in the open field and defecation while water wading were not related. Females had significantly less defecation in the open field than did any other group. In addition, of all the groups, the only animals to have significantly more defecation were the water-waders who were tested water wading first. No other main effects or interactions were significant. Results suggest that defecation in these places does not measure along the same continuum of emotionality and may be interpreted as evidence against viewing emotionality as a unitary central construct consistent for individuals across conditions.