This is what I will actually be doing once I begin sometime next week.

First, there are only a few major pieces of material that are mandatory for the successful completion of the experiment. The first item is a small makeshift restrainer that lets the rat inside feel as if it is trapped. Next is the larger cage which will be used to house both the restrainer as well as the free rat. Other materials that may be needed include a top that will cover the area that the free rat is in, and small cardboard squares that may be used to cover any gaps on either side of the restrainer or on parts of the cage that the top does not cover. Eventually, snacks will also be required such as cheese, crackers, and chocolate as an incentive and to observe if the treat affects either of the rat’s behavior.

For the experiments, there will be two types of trials which are nicknamed the “Test” trial and the “Actual” trial. Essentially, there are no differences between the two variations of trials except that the “Actual” trial will involve the use of the treats and that more data will be received while doing this type of trial. Even though the types of data received from each trial will be different, both are equally important.

The purpose of the experiment is to determine whether it is possible for rats to show signs of empathy and altruism towards other rats when they are aware that the other rat is experiencing some sort of pain. It is recommended that for at least one week prior to the start of the experiment, that all the rats were to be housed together in order for them to become acquainted with each other.

Housing the rats together for at least a week was the ideal situation, however it is not required and the experiment may be performed successfully without such actions being taken which is why even though this portion is ideal, it was omitted from the experiment.

During each trial, one rat will be designated as the trapped rat while one is designated to be free. These designations change after each trial in order for each rat to be tested as the trapped rat a minimum of three times. The trial then progresses to observing whether the free rat would decide to help its trapped companion escape and how long it would take.

The first thing that will be tested is whether or not the free rat chooses to free its trapped companion. Once the free rat is able to release the trapped rat, the time it took for the process to take place will be recorded. Another factor being recorded is the amount of time that it seemed that the trapped rat appeared to be nervous. Knowing how long the trapped rat seems nervous is important because if the trapped rat does not display that it is in pain, then the free rat would not be able to tell and therefore would not be able to free the rat. In other words, the more time that the trapped rat seems nervous, the better the odds that the free rat would react.

Seems cool. I don't think that they will have empathy, but I guess we don't know until you try! What if one of the rats die? Then you are pretty much screwed.

tgags123 : If the rat dies, I will have to get some replacements and fhen I will have to start over. However, I will still include all info I collected before it died.