The Open Field Test

The open field test (OFT) is the most widely used method for observing the behavior of mice and rats under laboratory conditions. It is used to evaluate the exploratory behavior, general locomotor activity and emotionality of rats and mice. However, it has to be kept in mind that these behaviors are not independent; they interact and so a change in one will affect another. Despite being a seemingly simple test, several caveats need to be acknowledged when selecting the variables for analysis and interpreting the data with regard to the aforementioned domains. The observed behaviors can depend on a number of procedural, environmental, and biological factors, which should be carefully considered when planning the experiment, as well as during the analysis and interpretation of the results. This review provides a critical overview of these factors, followed by some warnings and practical tips for conducting the OFT.