Knowledge Base

Problem

In a water maze experiment, the trial does not stop automatically when the mouse reaches or mounts the platform, even though a stop criterion based on platform zone entry has been configured.

Details

This occurs when the user has created multiple arena settings profiles (e.g., for different days or conditions) and the Trial Control stop criterion references a platform zone from the wrong arena settings profile. The zone referenced in the stop rule does not correspond to the zone the animal is actually entering. Affects Morris Water Maze and similar hidden-platform experiments.

Solution

1. Go to Trial Control Settings for the affected trials.
2. Review the stop criterion: check which zone is referenced as the stop trigger (e.g., 'Platform zone entry').
3. Go to Arena Settings and confirm which arena settings profile is active for the current trial group.
4. If multiple arena settings profiles exist, ensure the profile with the correct platform zone is selected for these trials.
5. Update the stop criterion in Trial Control to reference the platform zone from the correct (currently active) arena settings profile.
6. Save settings and run a test trial to confirm the trial stops correctly when the animal reaches the platform.