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ANY-maze Help > The ANY-maze reference > The Data page > Copying and saving data > Using 'Variable names' to title columns when saving data to a file
Using 'Variable names' to title columns when saving data to a file
Introduction
One of the main reasons for saving the ANY-maze Data page spreadsheet to a file is so it can be read into statistics programs such as SPSS, Systat or Statistica.
As you'd expect, these programs view the columns of the spreadsheet as 'variables', and therefore the column titles are taken to be the names of those variables. However, most stats programs impose limits on the length and contents of variable names, and the standard column titles used in ANY-maze don't tend to satisfy them. For example, if you read a SYLK file into SPSS and the file uses the standard column titles, then many of the variable names will be truncated and others will just be set to values like 'V1' or 'V2'.
To overcome this problem, ANY-maze can save files in which the columns are titled with special 'variable names' rather than the standard titles shown on the spreadsheet. The variable names used have been designed to be compatible with SPSS, but since the SPSS rules are so severe, they should work fine with any stats program.
When ANY-maze uses variable names
ANY-maze may use variable names when saving data, depending on the format you choose to save as:
| | • | When you save data in SYLK format, ANY-maze will ask you if you'd like to use the existing column titles, or whether to replace them with column titles converted to variable name, or long or short variable names. | |
| | • | When saving in dBase format, short variable names will be used as 'field' names. | |
| | • | ANY-maze does not include the ability to use variable names in CSV or TXT files - these always use the standard column titles. | |
SPSS variable name rules
ANY-maze variable names adhere to the SPSS variable naming rules. Quoting from the SPSS help:
The following rules apply to variable names:
| | • | Each variable name must be unique. | |
| | • | The maximum variable name length is 64 characters (version 12 and higher) or 8 characters ((pre version 12). | |
| | • | The first character must be a letter or the character @. | |
| | • | Middle characters of the variable name can be any combination of letters, numbers, @, #, $, comma (,), period (.) or underscore (_). | |
| | • | The last character of a variable name cannot be a period (.) or underscore (_). | |
| | • | Spaces are not allowed in variable names. | |
The standard column titles used by ANY-maze usually violate at least the 'no spaces' rules.
Variable names in ANY-maze
ANY-maze includes three types of variable names - column titles converted into variable names, long variable name and short variable names.
Column titles converted into variable names
ANY-maze can simply convert the column titles shown on the Data page, into variable names which it does by:
| | • | Replacing all spaces with underscores | |
| | • | Replacing all 'illegal' characters (such as : / - etc.) with a dot | |
| | • | Adding an @ character to the start of any names which don't begin with a letter | |
| | • | Chopping off names that are longer than 64 characters | |
This mechanism usually generates easily understood variable names and it's the option we recommend when you're saving data you plan to analyse in SPSS.
Note that it is possible for this system to create variable names which are not unique. This is because ANY-maze doesn't force you to use unique names for protocol elements such as zones, points, sequences, etc. Thus you could have two different zones in ANY-maze, both of which are called "Centre". This would mean that the Data page could have two columns both titled "Centre : time" (reporting the time in the zone) and you'd therefore end up with two variable names called "Centre_._time". Clearly you can avoid this problem by ensuring that you use unique names for your zones, points, sequences, etc.
Another potential issue is that a name might be truncated by ANY-maze (to keep it within the 64 character limit) and that might make it non unique and/or make it unintelligible. The best way to avoid this issue is to keep the names of zones, points, sequences, etc. reasonably short.
Long and short variable names
Long and short variable names use an encoded name rather than the column title. For example, the column which shows the time the animal spent in the 'Centre' zone will have a title of 'Centre : time', but its variable name would be 'Z1_T' ('Z' for zone, '1' for the first zone defined in the protocol and 'T' for time). As you can see, this system generates short names which are guaranteed to be unique, but it can sometimes be hard to interpret what the variable names mean (a full list of variable names is given below).
Although ANY-maze has 'long' and 'short' variable names they are, in fact, the same, except when repeated measures are shown in different columns (see Showing repeated measures in columns). In this case, column titles may need to show not only the name of a measure, such as 'Distance travelled', but also a Stage number, a trial number and the start and end times of a test segment - clearly, packing all this information into 8 characters is impossible.
Long variable names
Long variable names adhere to the SPSS naming rules for version 12 and above of SPSS - i.e. they are never more than 64 characters long. The names are formatted as something like '1.2_0.30_DISTANCE', where the '_' character separates sections of the name. So in this example, the first section '1.2' means stage 1, trial 2; the second section 0.30 means the period of the trial from time 0 to time 30 seconds; and 'DISTANCE' is the standard variable name (see below) for the measure shown in the column.
Short variable names
Short variable names are the 'standard' variable names in ANY-maze, and are described below. The problem with short names is that they are limited to just 8 characters, and so they can't include details of stage/trials or time segments. For this reason, if your data table includes different columns for repeated measures, and you save data using short variable names, the columns will simply be named VAR00001, VAR00002, etc. Note that this ONLY occurs when repeated measures are shown in different columns - in all other cases, short variable names are meaningful.
Variable name abbreviations used by ANY-maze
The most demanding aspect of the variable name rules is the 8-character limit which they impose. To help create variable names which meet these criteria, ANY-maze employs some standardised abbreviations:
| | Zx | Zone x, where x is the zone's index. For example, the first zone in the protocol is Z1, the second one Z2 and so on. If you have more than 9 zones then they are referred to as ZA (the tenth zone), ZB (the eleventh) and so on. All zones above ZZ (the 34th zone) are called Z# (i.e. you can't differentiate them). |
| | Px | Point x, where x is the point's index. For example, the first point in the protocol is P1, the second one P2 and so on. If you have more than 9 points then they are referred to as PA (the tenth zone), PB (the eleventh) and so on. All points above PZ (the 34th point) are called P# (i.e. you can't differentiate them). |
| | SQx | Sequence x, where x is the sequence's index. For example, the first sequence in the protocol is SQ1, the second is SQ2 and so on. If you have more than 9 sequences then they are referred to as SQA (the tenth sequence), SQB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Kx | Key x, where x is the key's index. For example, the first key in the protocol is K1, the second is K2 and so on. If you have more than 9 keys then they are referred to as KA (the tenth key), KB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Ix | On/off input x, where x is the input's index. For example, the first on/off input in the protocol is I1, the second is I2 and so on. If you have more than 9 on/off inputs then they are referred to as IA (the tenth input), IB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | SGx | Signal x, where x is the signal's index. For example, the first signal in the protocol is SG1, the second is SG2 and so on. If you have more than 9 signals then they are referred to as SGA (the tenth input), SGB (the eleventh) and so on. |
Note that for signal measures within zones, 'Gx' is used rather than 'SGx'.
| | Sx | Sensor x, where x is the sensor's index. For example, the first sequence in the protocol is S1, the second is S2 and so on. If you have more than 9 sensors then they are referred to as SA (the tenth sequence), SB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Bx | Photobeam x, where x is the photobeam's index. For example, the first photobeam in the protocol is B1, the second is B2 and so on. If you have more than 9 photobeams then they are referred to as BA (the tenth photobeam), BB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Ax | Photobeam array x, where x is the photobeam array's index. For example, the first photobeam array in the protocol is A1, the second is A2 and so on. If you have more than 9 photobeam arrays then they are referred to as AA (the tenth array), AB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Ex | Rotary encoder x, where x is the rotary encoder's index. For example, the first rotary encoder in the protocol is E1, the second is E2 and so on. If you have more than 9 rotary encoders then they are referred to as EA (the tenth rotary encoder), EB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | MVx | Movement detector x, where x is the movement detector's index. For example, the first movement detector in the protocol is MV1, the second is MV2 and so on. If you have more than 9 movement detectors then they are referred to as MVA (the tenth movement detector), MVB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Ox | Output switch x, where x is the output switch's index. For example, the first output switch in the protocol is O1, the second is O2 and so on. If you have more than 9 output switches then they are referred to as OA (the tenth switch), OB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | SPx | Syringe pump x, where x is the syringe pump's index. For example, the first syringe pump in the protocol is SP1, the second is SP2 and so on. If you have more than 9 syringe pumps then they are referred to as SPA (the tenth syringe pump), SPB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | Rx | Result variable x, where x is the result variable's index. For example, the first result variable in the protocol is R1, the second is R2 and so on. If you have more than 9 result variables then they are referred to as RA (the tenth variable), RB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | VSx | Virtual switch x, where x is the virtual switch's index. For example, the first virtual switch in the protocol is VS1, the second is VS2 and so on. If you have more than 9 virtual switches then they are referred to as VSA (the tenth virtual switch), VSB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | EVTx | Event x, where x is the Event's index. For example, the first Event in the protocol is EVT1, the second is EVT2 and so on. If you have more than 9 Events then they are referred to as EVTA (the tenth event), EVTB (the eleventh) and so on. |
| | PLGx | Plug-in x, where x is the plug-in's index. For example, the first plug-in in the protocol is PLG1, the second is PLG2 and so on. If you have more than 9 plug-ins then they are referred to as PLGA (the tenth plug-in), PLGB (the eleventh) and so on. |
Note that for plug-in measures within zones, 'Px' is used rather than 'PLGx'.
| | H | Head. Used to introduce measures that relate to the position of the animal's head. For example Z1_HN is the number of entries (N) of the animal's head (H) into the first zone (Z1). |
| | RR | Rearing. Used to introduce a measure that relates to rearing. For example, Z1_RRN is the number (N) of rears (RR) in the first zone (Z1). |
| | N | Count. For example, Z1_N is the count of entries into the first (Z1) zone. |
| | T | Time. For example, Z1K2_T is the time that the 2nd key (K2) was pressed while the animal was in the first zone (Z1). |
| | SPD | Speed. For example, Z3_SPD is speed in the third zone (Z3). |
| | LE | Latency to an entry. For example, Z1_LE is the latency to enter the first zone (Z1). |
| | LP | Latency to a key press. |
| | LR | Latency to a key release. |
| | LS | Latency to start. For example, S1_LS is the latency to the start of the first sequence (S1). |
| | LA | Latency to activation. For example, I1_LA is the latency to activation of the first on/off input (I1). |
| | LDA | Latency to deactivation. |
| | 1ST | First. For example, ZONE_1ST is the first zone the animal entered. |
| | MX | Maximum. For example, Z2_MXT is the maximum time/duration (T) of a visit to the second zone (Z2). |
| | AV | Average. For example, Z1K2_AVT is the average press time (T) of the second key (K2) in the first zone (Z1). |
| | F | Distance from a zone border (when outside the zone) or from a point. |
| | B | Distance to a zone border (when inside the zone) or to a point. |
| | MT | Movement towards a zone or point. |
| | MA | Movement away from a zone or point. |
| | OT | Orientation towards a point. |
| | OA | Orientation away from a point. |
| | GC | Getting closer to a zone. For example, Z1_TGC is time (T) getting closer (GC) to the first zone (Z1). |
| | GF | Getting further from a zone. |
| | IHE | Initial heading error. |
| | AHE | Average heading error. |
In some cases, more complete names are used where space allows. For example, the overall distance travelled in the test is called DISTANCE rather than just DST.
Full list of ANY-maze measure variable names
A full list of all the variable names used by ANY-maze when saving the Data page spreadsheet is given below:
Information measures:
| | STGTRIAL | Stage name and trial number, for example 'Training 1' |
| | END_RSN | The reason the test ended |
| | AM_PM | Test time of day (am/pm) |
| | SEGMENT | Segment of the test |
| | LGHT_DRK | Animal lighter/darker than the apparatus |
| | PERIOD | The time period, for example '0-30' |
| | Zx_LOCTN | The location of the Zx zone. |
For more information on any of these measures, see Information measures.
Apparatus measures:
| | DISTANCE | Total distance travelled |
| | ZONE_1ST | First zone entered |
| | IMBL_T | Total time immobile |
| | MBL_N | Total mobile episodes |
| | IMBL_N | Total immobile episodes |
| | IACT_T | Total time inactive |
| | ACT_N | Total active episodes |
| | IACT_N | Total inactive episodes |
| | MXACT_T | Longest active episode |
| | MNACT_T | Shortest active episode |
| | MXIACT_T | Longest inactive episode |
| | MNIACT_T | Shortest inactive episode |
| | CROSSING | Number of line crossings |
| | H_DST | Distance travelled by the animal's head |
| | RTNS | Rotations of the animal's body |
| | RTNS_CW | Clockwise rotations of the animal's body |
| | RTNS_ACW | Anti-clockwise rotations of the animal's body |
| | MBL_LT | Latency to start of first mobile episode |
| | IMMBL_LT | Latency to start of first immobile episode |
| | FRZ_N | Total freezing episodes |
| | FRZ_LT | Latency to start of first freezing episode |
| | AV_FRZ | Average freezing score |
| | POSREV_N | On/off inputs positive reversal |
| | NEGREV_N | On/off inputs negative reversal |
| | REAR_LS | Latency to first rear |
| | REAR_AVT | Average duration of a rear |
| | REAR_MXT | Maximum duration of a rear |
| | REAR_MNT | Minimum duration of a rear |
For more information on any of these measures, see Apparatus measures.
Apparatus key measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Kx, where x is the key's index: 1 = first key, 2 = second key and so on.
| | Kx_LP | Latency to first press |
| | Kx_LR | Latency to first release |
| | Kx_AVT | Average press duration |
| | Kx_DFP | Distance travelled by the animal before first press |
| | Kx_LST | List of durations of each key press |
For more information on any of these measures, see Key measures.
Apparatus on/off input measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Ix, where x is the on/off input's index: 1 = first on/off input, 2 = second on/off input and so on.
| | Ix_N | Number of activations |
| | Ix_LA | Latency to first activation |
| | Ix_LDA | Latency to first deactivation |
| | Ix_MNT | Shortest activation |
| | Ix_AVT | Average activation duration |
| | Ix_FRQ | Activation frequency |
For more information on any of these measures, see On/off input measures.
Apparatus signal measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with SGx, where x is the signal's index: 1 = first signal, 2 = second signal and so on.
| | SGx_MXT | Time of maximum value |
| | SGx_MNT | Time of minimum value |
| | SGx_BDV | Baseline deviation |
| | SGx_BSD | Baseline standard deviation |
| | SGx_BLT | Time of the end of the baseline period |
| | SGx_PDT | Time of first positive deviation from baseline |
| | SGx_PDR | Time of first return to baseline from positive deviation |
| | SGx_NDT | Time of first negative deviation from baseline |
| | SGx_NDR | Time of first return to baseline from negative deviation |
| | SGx_PIN | Integral above baseline |
| | SGx_NIN | Integral below baseline |
For more information on any of these measures, see Signal measures.
Apparatus sensor measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Sx, where x is the sensor's index: 1 = first sensor, 2 = second sensor and so on.
| | Sx_CHG | Change from initial value |
For more information on any of these measures, see Sensor measures.
Apparatus rotary encoder measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Ex, where x is the rotary encoder's index: 1 = first rotary encoder, 2 = second rotary encoder and so on.
| | Ex_NC | Number of clockwise rotations |
| | Ex_NAC | Number of anti-clockwise rotations |
| | Ex_NRV | Number of reversals of direction |
| | Ex_NHF | Number of half-rotations |
| | Ex_NQT | Number of quarter-rotations |
| | Ex_CD | Number of degrees of clockwise rotation |
| | Ex_ACD | Number of degrees of anti-clockwise rotation |
For more information on any of these measures, see Rotary encoder measures.
Apparatus movement detector measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with MVx, where x is the movement detector's index: 1 = first detector, 2 = second detector and so on.
| | MVx_N | Count of beam breaks |
| | MVx_LA | Latency to first movement (beam break) |
For more information on any of these measures, see Movement detector measures.
Apparatus syringe pump measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with SPx, where x is the syringe pump's index: 1 = first pump, 2 = second pump and so on.
For more information on any of these measures, see Syringe pump measures.
Apparatus result variable measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Vx, where x is the result variable's index: 1 = first variable, 2 = second variable and so on.
| | Rx_VAL | Value (if the result variable is noted only once at the end of the test) |
For more information on any of these measures, see Procedure measures.
Apparatus virtual switch measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Vx, where x is the virtual switch's index: 1 = first virtual switch, 2 = second virtual switch and so on.
| | Vx_N | Number of activations |
| | Vx_T | Latency to first activation |
| | Vx_LDA | Latency to first deactivation |
| | Vx_MNT | Shortest activation |
| | Vx_AVT | Average activation duration |
| | Vx_FRQ | Frequency of activations |
| | Vx_DFA | Distance travelled before first activation |
| | Vx_DAC | Distance travelled while active |
For more information on any of these measures, see Virtual switch measures.
Apparatus OPAD measures:
Some of the following variable names are prefixed with OPD_x, where x is the index of the temperature of interest: 1 = first temperature of interest, 2 = second temperature of interest and so on.
| | OPD_TCB | Temperature when contact broken |
| | OPD_xTC | Temperature of interest: time in contact |
| | OPD_xNB | Temperature of interest: number of times contact broken |
| | OPD_xNM | Temperature of interest: number of times contact made |
| | OPD_xNL | Temperature of interest: number of licks |
| | OPD_NLCT | Number of non-lick contacts |
| | OPD_LTCB | Left thermal element; temperature when contact broken |
| | OPD_xLTC | Left thermal element; temperature of interest: time in contact |
| | OPD_xLNB | Left thermal element; temperature of interest: number of times contact broken |
| | OPD_xLNM | Left thermal element; temperature of interest: number of times contact made |
| | OPD_xLNL | Left thermal element; temperature of interest: number of licks |
| | OPD_RTCB | Right thermal element; temperature when contact broken |
| | OPD_xRTC | Right thermal element; temperature of interest: time in contact |
| | OPD_xRNB | Right thermal element; temperature of interest: number of times contact broken |
| | OPD_xRNM | Right thermal element; temperature of interest: number of times contact made |
| | OPD_xRNL | Right thermal element; temperature of interest: number of licks |
For more information on any of these measures, see OPAD measures.
Apparatus RAPC measures:
| | RAPC_T1 | Number of RAPC type 1 errors |
| | RAPC_T2 | Number of RAPC type 2 errors |
For more information on any of these measures, see Performing experiments and analysing results for RAPC.
Apparatus plug-in measures:
The following variable names are all prefixed with Px, where x is the plug-in's index: 1 = first plug-in, 2 = second plug-in and so on.
The following variable names apply to RT_ONOFF result type measures:
| | PLGx_N | Number of activations |
| | PLGx_LON | Latency to first activation |
| | PLGx_LOF | Latency to first deactivation |
| | PLGx_MXT | Longest activation |
| | PLGx_MNT | Shortest activation |
| | PLGx_AVT | Average activation duration |
| | PLGx_FRQ | Activation frequency |
The following variable names apply to RT_VALUE result type measures:
The following variable names apply to RT_CUMULATIVE result type measures:
For more information on any of these measures, see Plug-in measures.
Zone measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with Zx, where x is the zone's index: 1 = first zone, 2 = second zone and so on.
| | Zx_N | Number of entries to the zone |
| | Zx_1ST | Was first zone entered |
| | Zx_DST | Distance travelled in the zone |
| | Zx_LE | Latency to first entry to the zone |
| | Zx_LX | Latency to first exit to the zone |
| | Zx_SPD | Average speed in the zone |
| | Zx_MXT | Longest visit to the zone |
| | Zx_MNT | Shortest visit to the zone |
| | Zx_AVT | Average duration of visit to the zone |
| | Zx_MBLT | Time mobile in the zone |
| | Zx_IMBLT | Time immobile in the zone |
| | Zx_IMBLN | Immobile episodes in the zone |
| | Zx_ACTT | Time active in the zone |
| | Zx_IACTT | Time inactive in the zone |
| | Zx_IACTN | Inactive episodes in the zone |
| | Zx_AVF | Average distance from the zone |
| | Zx_MXF | Maximum distance from the zone |
| | Zx_MNF | Minimum distance from the zone |
| | Zx_AVB | Average distance to the zone border |
| | Zx_MXB | Maximum distance to the zone border |
| | Zx_MNB | Minimum distance to the zone border |
| | Zx_TGC | Time getting closer to the zone |
| | Zx_TGF | Time getting further away from the zone |
| | Zx_ANGL | Absolute turn angle while in the zone |
| | Zx_HT | Time the animal's head was in the zone |
| | Zx_HN | Number of entries of the animal's head into the zone |
| | Zx_HDST | Distance travelled by the animal's head in the zone |
| | Zx_HLE | Latency to the first entry of the animal's head into the zone |
| | Zx_HLX | Latency to the first exit of the animal's head from the zone |
| | Zx_HAVF | Average distance of the animal's head from the zone |
| | Zx_HMXF | Maximum distance of the animal's head from the zone |
| | Zx_HMNF | Minimum distance of the animal's head from the zone |
| | Zx_HAVB | Average distance from the animal's head to the zone border |
| | Zx_HMXB | Maximum distance from the animal's head to the zone border |
| | Zx_HMNB | Minimum distance from the animal's head to the zone border |
| | Zx_RRN | Number of rears in the zone |
| | Zx_RRT | Total time rearing in the zone |
| | Zx_RRL | Latency to first rear in the zone |
| | Zx_RRAVT | Average duration of a rear in the zone |
| | Zx_RRMXT | Maximum duration of a rear in the zone |
| | Zx_RRMNT | Minimum duration of a rear in the zone |
| | Zx_IHE | Initial heading error to the zone |
| | Zx_AHE | Average absolute heading error to the zone |
| | Zx_TMT | Time moving towards the zone |
| | Zx_TMA | Time moving away from the zone |
| | Zx_DFE | Distance travelled until first entry into the zone |
| | Zx_LLE | Latency to last entry to the zone |
| | Zx_MXSPD | Maximum speed in the zone |
| | Zx_EXIT | Number of exits from the zone |
| | Zx_CIPL | Corrected integrated path length |
| | Zx_INDST | Initial distance from the zone |
| | Zx_CUMD | Cumulative distance from the zone |
| | Zx_T_OR | Time oriented towards the centre of the zone when inside zone |
| | Zx_HICO | Time the animal's head was in the zone when its centre was outside the zone |
| | Zx_PEFF | Path efficiency of first entry to the zone |
| | Zx_FRZN | Freezing bouts in the zone |
| | Zx_FRZT | Time freezing in the zone |
| | Zx_SIHE | Signed initial heading error to the zone |
| | Zx_WCT | Time spent in Whishaw's corridor |
| | Zx_WCD | Distance travelled in Whishaw's corridor |
| | Zx_LST | List of the duration of each visit to the zone |
| | Zx_AHTA | Absolute head turn angle in the zone |
| | Zx_LC | Number of line crossings in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Zone measures.
Zone key measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxKy, where x is the zone's index and y the key's index. For example Z1K2 is a measure for the 2nd key in the 1st zone.
| | ZxKy_N | Number of presses while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_T | Time pressed while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_LP | Latency to first press while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_LR | Latency to first release while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_MXT | Longest press while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_MNT | Shortest press while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_AVT | Average press while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxKy_FRQ | Press frequency while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Key measures.
Zone on/off input measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxIy, where x is the zone's index and y is the on/off input's index. For example, Z1I2 is a measure for the 2nd on/off input in the 1st zone.
| | ZxIx_N | Number of activations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_T | Time activated while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_LA | Latency to first activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_LDA | Latency to first deactivation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_MXT | Longest activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_MNT | Shortest activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_AVT | Average activation duration while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxIx_FRQ | Activation frequency while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see On/off input measures.
Zone signal measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxGy, where x is the zone's index and y is the signal's index. For example, Z1G2 is a measure for the 2nd signal in the 1st zone.
| | ZxGy_AVG | Average value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxGy_MAX | Maximum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxGy_MIN | Minimum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxGy_PIN | Integral above baseline while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxGy_NIN | Integral below baseline while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxGy_MX | Average maximum for each visit to the zone |
| | ZxGy_MXT | Average time to maximum for each visit to the zone |
| | ZxGy_MI | Average minimum for each visit to the zone |
| | ZxGy_MIT | Average time to minimum for each visit to the zone |
| | ZxGy_MEN | Average value at zone entry |
| | ZxGy_MEX | Average value at zone exit |
For more information on any of these measures, see Signal measures.
Zone sensor measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxSy, where x is the zone's index and y is the sensor's index. For example, Z1S2 is a measure for the 2nd sensor in the 1st zone.
| | ZxSy_AVG | Average value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxSy_MAX | Maximum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxSy_MIN | Minimum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxSy_VAL | Initial value while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Sensor measures.
Zone rotary encoder measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxEy, where x is the zone's index and y is the rotary encoder's index. For example, Z1E2 is a measure for the 2nd rotary encoder in the 1st zone.
| | ZxEy_N | Number of rotations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_NC | Number of clockwise rotations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_NAC | Number of anti-clockwise rotations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_NRV | Number of reversals of direction while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_NHF | Number of half-rotations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_NQT | Number of quarter-rotations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_MXR | Maximum RPM while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_MNR | Minimum RPM while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_AVR | Average RPM while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_CD | Number of degrees of clockwise rotation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_ACD | Number of degrees of anti-clockwise rotation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxEy_DST | Distance while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Rotary encoder measures.
Zone syringe pump measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxSPy, where x is the zone's index and y is the syringe pump's index. For example, Z1SP2 is a measure for the 2nd syringe pump in the 1st zone.
| | ZxSPy_VI | Volume infused while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxSPy_VW | Volume withdrawn while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Syringe pump measures.
Zone result variable measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxRy, where x is the zone's index and y is the result variable's index. For example, Z1R2 is a measure for the 2nd result variable in the 1st zone.
| | ZxRy_AVG | Average value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxRy_MAX | Maximum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxRy_MIN | Minimum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxRy_USM | Sum of values while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxRy_N | Count of values while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxRy_VAL | Value (if the result variable is noted only once at the end of the test), if the animal is in the zone at the end of the test |
For more information on any of these measures, see Procedure measures.
Zone virtual switch measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxVy, where x is the zone's index and y is the virtual switch's index. For example, Z1V2 is a measure for the 2nd virtual switch in the 1st zone.
| | ZxVy_N | Number of activations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_T | Latency to first activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_LA | Latency to first deactivation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_LDA | Longest activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_MXT | Shortest activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_MNT | Average activation duration while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_AVT | Frequency of activations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_FRQ | Distance travelled before first activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxVy_DAC | Distance travelled while active while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Virtual switch measures.
Zone plug-in measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with ZxPy, where x is the zone's index and y is the plug-in's index. For example, Z1P2 is a measure for the 2nd plug-in in the 1st zone.
The following variable names apply to RT_ONOFF result type measures:
| | ZxPy_N | Number of activations while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_T | Time active while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_LON | Latency to first activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_LOF | Latency to first deactivation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_MXT | Longest activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_MNT | Shortest activation while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_FRQ | Activation frequency while the animal is in the zone |
The following variable names apply to RT_VALUE result type measures:
| | ZxPy_AVG | Average value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_MAX | Maximum value while the animal is in the zone |
| | ZxPy_MIN | Minimum value while the animal is in the zone |
The following variable names apply to RT_CUMULATIVE result type measures:
| | ZxPy_VAL | Cumulative value while the animal is in the zone |
For more information on any of these measures, see Plug-in measures.
Point measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with Px, where x is the point's index: 1 = first point, 2 = second point and so on.
| | Px_AVF | Average distance from the point |
| | Px_MXF | Maximum distance from the point |
| | Px_MNF | Minimum distance from the point |
| | Px_TMT | Time moving towards the point |
| | Px_TMA | Time moving away from the point |
| | Px_IHE | Initial heading error to the point |
| | Px_AHE | Average heading error to the point |
| | Px_HAVF | Average distance of the animal's head from the point |
| | Px_HMXF | Maximum distance of the animal's head from the point |
| | Px_HMNF | Minimum distance of the animal's head from the point |
| | Px_HTMT | Time the animal's head was moving towards the point |
| | Px_HTMA | Time the animal's head was moving away from the point |
| | Px_HTOT | Time the animal was oriented towards the point |
| | Px_HTOA | Time the animal was oriented away from the point |
For more information on any of these measures, see Point measures.
Sequence measures:
The following variable names are prefixed with Sx, where x is the sequence's index: 1 = the first sequence, 2 = second sequence and so on.
| | SQx_LS | Latency to first sequence start |
| | SQx_LF | Latency to first sequence end |
| | SQx_T | Time spent performing sequences |
| | SQx_AVT | Average time to perform a sequence |
| | SQx_MXT | Longest time to perform a sequence |
| | SQx_MNT | Shortest time to perform a sequence |
| | SQx_DST | Distance travelled while performing sequence |
| | SQx_AVD | Average distance travelled per sequence |
| | SQx_MXD | Maximum distance travelled in a sequence |
| | SQx_MND | Minimum distance travelled in a sequence |
| | SQx_AVSP | Average speed during the sequence |
| | SQx_BRKN | Number of broken sequences |
For more information on any of these measures, see Sequence measures.
Fields and calculations
The variable names of fields and calculations are the first 8 characters of the element's full name, with any illegal characters replaced by an underscore - this mainly applies to spaces. If the resulting name ends with a dot or an underscore, then the last character is replaced with a hash sign (#).
This method of naming fields and calculation variables means that names CAN be identical, for example the calculations 'Percentage of time in open arms' and 'Percentage of time in closed arms' would both be given variable names of 'PERCENTA'. It's worth considering this when naming fields and calculations, although getting variables names right isn't hugely important, as you can just change them in SPSS.
Test data variable names
A full list of all the variable names used by ANY-maze when saving the Test data report is given below:
Test control
Animal data
| | COG_X | The x coordinate of the centre of the animal (COG = Centre Of Gravity) |
| | COG_Y | The y coordinate of the centre of the animal (COG = Centre Of Gravity) |
| | HEAD_X | The x coordinate of the animal's head |
| | HEAD_Y | The y coordinate of the animal's head |
| | TAIL_X | The x coordinate of the base of the animal's tail |
| | TAIL_Y | The y coordinate of the base of the animal's tail |
| | HDN_ON | Hidden on (the animal has become hidden) |
| | HDN_OFF | Hidden off (the animal has ceased to be hidden) |
| | MBL | Mobile (the animal has become mobile) |
| | IMBL | Immobile (the animal has become immobile) |
| | ROT_ACW | Anti-clockwise rotation |
| | FRZ_SCR | The animal's freezing score |
| | FRZ_ON | Freezing on (the animal freezes) |
| | FRZ_OFF | Freezing off (the animal stops freezing) |
| | LENGTH | The length of the animal |
| | REL_LEN | The relative length of the animal (relative to its mean length) |
Zone data
The following variable names are prefixed with Zx, where x is the zone's index: 1 = the first zone, 2 = second zone and so on.
| | Zx_ENTRY | The animal is in the zone |
| | Zx_EXIT | The animal is not in the zone |
| | Zx_DST | The distance of the animal from the zone (when outside the zone) |
| | Zx_BDR | The distance of the animal from the zone border (when inside the zone) |
| | Zx_H_DST | The distance of the animal's head from the zone (when the head is outside the zone) |
| | Zx_H_BDR | The distance of the animal's head from the zone border (when the head is inside the zone) |
| | Zx_HDERR | The animal's heading error to the zone |
Point data
The following variable names are prefixed with Px, where x is the point's index: 1 = the first point, 2 = second point and so on.
| | Px_DST | The distance of the animal from the point |
| | Px_H_DST | The distance of the animal's head from the point |
| | Px_HDERR | The animal's heading error to the point |
Sequence data
The following variable names are prefixed with SQx, where x is the sequence's index: 1 = the first sequence, 2 = second sequence and so on.
| | SQx_STRT | The start of the sequence |
| | SQx_END | The end of the sequence |
| | SQx_BRKN | The sequence being broken |
Key data
The following variable names are prefixed with Kx, where x is the key's index: 1 = the first key, 2 = second key and so on.
| | Kx_OFF | The key is inactive |
On/off input data
The following variable names are prefixed with Ix, where x is the on/off input's index: 1 = the first on/off input, 2 = second on/off input and so on.
| | Ix_ON | The on/off input is active |
| | Ix_OFF | The on/off input is inactive |
| | I_SEQ | On/off input sequence - the indexes of inputs that were activated |
| | I_RV_POS | On/off input sequence positive reversal |
| | I_RV_NEG | On/off input sequence negative reversal |
Signal input data
The following variable names use an x to represent the signal's index: 1 = the first signal, 2 = second signal and so on.
| | SGx | The value of the signal |
Sensor data
The following variable names use an x to represent the sensor's index: 1 = the first sensor, 2 = second sensor and so on.
| | SNSx | The value of the sensor |
Photobeam data
The following variable names are prefixed with Bx, where x is the photobeam's index: 1 = the first photobeam, 2 = second photobeam and so on.
| | Bx_ON | The photobeam is active |
| | Bx_OFF | The photobeam is inactive |
Rotary encoder data
The following variable names are prefixed with REx, where x is the rotary encoder's index: 1 = the first rotary encoder, 2 = second rotary encoder and so on.
| | REx_CWP | Clockwise pulse of the rotary encoder |
| | REx_ACWP | Anti-clockwise pulse of the rotary encoder |
| | REx_RPM | Speed of the rotary encoder (RPM) |
Movement detector data
The following variable names use an x to represent the movement detector's index: 1 = the first movement detector, 2 = second movement detector and so on.
| | MOVDETx | A beam of the movement detector has been broken |
Output switch data
The following variable names are prefixed with Ox, where x is the output switch's index: 1 = the first switch, 2 = second switch and so on.
| | Ox_ON | The output switch is active |
| | Ox_OFF | The output switch is inactive |
Speaker data
The following variable names use an x to represent the speaker's index: 1 = the first speaker, 2 = second speaker and so on.
| | SPKVOLx | The volume of the speaker |
Light controller data
The following variable names use an x to represent the light controller's index: 1 = the first light controller, 2 = second light controller and so on.
| | LGHTONx | The light controller is activated |
| | LGHTLUXx | The light controller light level |
Syringe pump data
The following variable names use an x to represent the syringe pump's index: 1 = the first syringe pump, 2 = second syringe pump and so on.
| | SPRUNx | Syringe pump is running |
Shocker data
The following variable names are prefixed with SKx, where x is the shocker's index: 1 = the first shocker, 2 = second shocker and so on.
Result variable data
The following variable names use an x to represent the result variable's index: 1 = the first variable, 2 = second variable and so on.
| | VARx | Result variable value |
Virtual switch data
The following variable names are prefixed with VSx, where x is the virtual switch's index: 1 = the first virtual switch, 2 = second virtual switch and so on.
| | VSx_ON | The virtual switch is active |
| | VSx_OFF | The virtual switch is inactive |
Event data
The following variable names use an x to represent the event's index: 1 = the first event, 2 = second event and so on.
Plug-in data
The following variable names are prefixed with PLGx, where x is the plug-in's index: 1 = the first plug-in, 2 = second plug-in and so on.
| | PLGx_ON | The on/off-type plug-in is active |
| | PLGx_OFF | The on/off-type plug-in is inactive |
| | PLGx | The value of the value-type plug-in |
See also:
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ANY-maze help topic T0894
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