The Use of the Morris Water Maze in the Study of Memory and Learning

Abstract

Although the Morris Water Maze (MWM) was introduced only a few years ago, this technique has gained wide popularity, as the large number of publications in which it is employed, testifies. A review of the literature reveals that a wide variety of technical variables were used by the various research groups employing the MWM. This review describes the major changes in research variables, i.e., environmental variables, various manipulations, and the effects of diet or age on performance. the general principles of learning as demonstrated by the MWM are discussed.

Key Words:

• Morris Water Maze
• learning
• memory
• environmental factors
• neurotransmitters
• drugs