The elevated T-maze as a measure of two types of defensive reactions: A factor analysis

Using factor analysis, we investigated whether the defensive reactions seen in the elevated T-maze measure different behaviours. Rats were submitted to the elevated T-maze followed by the open-field test. Avoidance 1 and 2 loaded on the same factor, while escape 2 and 3 loaded on a second factor. Baseline avoidance did not load together with locomotor activity in the open-field. These results indicate that the elevated T-maze generates two different defensive behaviours.