# Protocol for two models of behavioral transition from action to no-action when facing prolonged uncontrollable experience in mice

## TL;DR

This paper describes a protocol to study how mice transition from active to passive behavior after prolonged uncontrollable experiences.

## Contribution

A detailed protocol is introduced to study behavioral transitions in mice using prolonged uncontrollable experiences and computational modeling.

## Key findings

- The protocol includes behavioral devices and video analysis to track transitions from action to no-action.
- Exponential learning curve fitting is used for mathematical assessment of behavioral changes.
- Validation experiments assess locomotor, social, and anxiety-/depression-like behaviors.

## Abstract

Uncontrollability could lead to behavioral adjustment or even giving up when facing repeated failure. Here, we detail a protocol to study the behavioral transition from action to no-action induced by prolonged uncontrollable experiences in mice. We describe the behavioral devices, video analysis, and the exponential learning curve fitting for mathematical assessment. We perform further validation experiments evaluating locomotor, social, and anxiety-/depression-like behaviors. This approach helps study neural mechanisms underlying adaptive decision-making when facing repeated failure.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.1

•Steps for creating setups and exposing mice to prolonged uncontrollable experiences•Steps for quantifying the behavioral transition from action to no-action in mice•Steps for computational modeling based on the exponential learning equation•Steps for performing validation experiments to exclude alternative interpretations

Steps for creating setups and exposing mice to prolonged uncontrollable experiences

Steps for quantifying the behavioral transition from action to no-action in mice

Steps for computational modeling based on the exponential learning equation

Steps for performing validation experiments to exclude alternative interpretations

Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Uncontrollability could lead to behavioral adjustment or even giving up when facing repeated failure. Here, we detail a protocol to study the behavioral transition from action to no-action induced by prolonged uncontrollable experiences in mice. We describe the behavioral devices, video analysis, and the exponential learning curve fitting for mathematical assessment. We perform further validation experiments evaluating locomotor, social, and anxiety-/depression-like behaviors. This approach helps study neural mechanisms underlying adaptive decision-making when facing repeated failure.