The novel object recognition (NOR) test, also known as the object recognition test, is a commonly used behavioral assay for the assessment of various aspects of learning and memory in rodents, with an emphasis on recognition memory. This test is based on the innate tendency of rodents to spend more time exploring a novel object than a familiar one. Therefore, the choice to explore the novel object indicates learning and recognition memory. Because of such innate preference, there is no need for additional reinforcement or long training schedules, making NOR a fast, efficient, and low-stress test for the detection of neuropsychological changes after pharmacological, biological, or genetic manipulations.
This test is useful for assessing cognitive deficits in transgenic strains of mice and evaluating novel chemical entities for their effect on cognition.