Evaluating the Use of “The Behavior of the Laboratory Rat: A Handbook with Tests” in Graduate-Level Education: A Book Review
Abstract
This book review evaluates the educational and scientific value of The Behavior of the Laboratory Rat: A Handbook with Tests, edited by Ian Q. Whishaw and Bryan Kolb. The book provides a comprehensive overview of rat behavior by covering multiple domains, including natural history, sensory and motor systems, regulatory mechanisms, development, social behavior, cognition, and experimental models. The book's strong focus on behavioral methodology and experimental paradigms make it particularly valuable for understanding research design in the laboratory. Certain sections of the book lack sufficient detail on the implementation of experimental protocols, which may require readers to consult additional sources. This is an important addition to the graduate education of students in behavioral neuroscience, animal physiology, and experimental biology. It is beneficial in both developing the theoretical and experimental thinking skills.
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References
- Ellenbroek, B., & Youn, J. (2016). Rodent models in neuroscience research: Is it a rat race? Disease Models & Mechanisms, 9(10), 1079–1087. https://doi.org/10.1242/dmm.026120
- Whishaw, I. Q., & Kolb, B. (Eds.). (2005). The behavior of the laboratory rat: A handbook with tests. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Biology Education
Journal Section
Book Review
Publication Date
June 30, 2026
Submission Date
May 15, 2026
Acceptance Date
June 8, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 11 Number: 1