Behavioral neuroscience research incorporates the identical high level of meticulous methodologies and exacting attention to detail as all other scientific disciplines. To achieve maximal rigor and reproducibility of findings, well-trained investigators employ a variety of established best practices. Here we explicate some of the requirements for rigorous experimental design and accurate data analysis in conducting mouse and rat behavioral tests. Novel object recognition is used as an example of a cognitive assay which has been conducted successfully with a range of methods, all based on common principles of appropriate procedures, controls, and statistics. Directors of Rodent Core facilities within Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers contribute key aspects of their own novel object recognition protocols, offering insights into essential similarities and less-critical differences. Literature cited in this review article will lead the interested reader to source papers that provide step-by-step protocols which illustrate optimized methods for many standard rodent behavioral assays. Adhering to best practices in behavioral neuroscience will enhance the value of animal models for the multiple goals of understanding biological mechanisms, evaluating consequences of genetic mutations, and discovering efficacious therapeutics.

中文翻译：

---

啮齿动物行为研究的严谨性和可重复性。

行为神经科学研究与其他所有科学学科一样，都采用了相同的高级方法，并高度重视细节。为了最大程度地确保结果的准确性和可重复性，训练有素的调查员会采用各种既定的最佳做法。在这里，我们阐述了进行鼠标和大鼠行为测试中严格的实验设计和准确的数据分析的一些要求。新颖的物体识别被用作认知测定的一个例子，该认知测定已成功通过一系列方法进行，所有方法均基于适当程序，控制和统计的通用原理。智障和发展性残疾研究中心内的啮齿动物核心设施负责人贡献了他们自己的新颖物体识别协议的关键方面，提供有关基本相似性和次要差异的见解。这篇评论文章中引用的文献将引导感兴趣的读者阅读源文件，这些源文件提供了分步协议，说明了许多标准啮齿动物行为分析的优化方法。坚持行为神经科学的最佳实践将提高动物模型对于了解生物学机制，评估遗传突变的后果以及发现有效治疗方法的多个目标的价值。