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Pro-Choice: Partner Preference as a Method to Assess Sexual Motivation

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Animal Models of Reproductive Behavior

Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 200))

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Abstract

The partner preference test has been used to evaluate the neurobiology of sexual motivation in animal models. Despite the variable characteristics of the apparatus used, two key elements are endemic to all versions of this paradigm: approach and choice. The partner preference paradigm relies on approach behavior to indicate motivation to interact with an opposite-sex (sexual stimulus animal) or same-sex (social stimulus animal) conspecific. The partner preference paradigm also requires choice; subjects are free to a make a choice between spending time near or with either of two stimulus animals. In some tests, physical contact is limited whereas other tests allow for full mating interactions. Here, we describe various methodological considerations, highlight critical procedures, and discuss the ways partner preference tests contribute to our overall understanding of sexual function. We focus primarily on the rat as a model organism. In addition, we present new findings that explain apparent sex differences in sexual motivation often observed in partner preference tests. In conclusion, partner preference is a methodology widely used to elucidate the neural, hormonal, and experiential factors underlying sexual motivation in both female and male animals.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Lauran Muskara (BA, BS, Scientific Illustrator) for creating scientific illustrations for the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA

    Fay A. Guarraci

  2. Neuroscience Program and Department of Psychology, Carleton College, Northfield, MN, USA

    Sarah H. Meerts

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  1. Fay A. Guarraci
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  2. Sarah H. Meerts
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Correspondence to Fay A. Guarraci .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Neurobiologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Queretaro, Querétaro, Mexico

    Raúl G. Paredes

  2. Instituto de Neurobiología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico

    Wendy Portillo

  3. Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico

    Marie Bedos

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Guarraci, F.A., Meerts, S.H. (2023). Pro-Choice: Partner Preference as a Method to Assess Sexual Motivation. In: Paredes, R.G., Portillo, W., Bedos, M. (eds) Animal Models of Reproductive Behavior. Neuromethods, vol 200. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3234-5_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3234-5_10

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  • Publisher Name: Humana, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-0716-3233-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-0716-3234-5

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