Sex differences in the emotional behavior of three strains of laboratory rat

Abstract

Sex differences in the emotional behavior of three strains of rats were investigated, using a variety of measures taken during the initial 2 min of open-field exposure and after a loud bell had sounded. Animals were tested either in a clean open field or in one containing the odor of a same-sex conspecific. No general overall sex differences for a variety of measures associated with emotional reactivity were found, so the results did not support the theory that male rats are more "emotional" than females. Sex differences for particular measures associated with emotional responsiveness were found, but these varied with the strain, measure, and odor condition: The latter was found to be particularly important. © 1974 Psychonomic Society, Inc.