We describe a modified hole board (mHB) paradigm as a test for unconditione
d behavior in rodents that is aimed at analyzing a variety of behavioral di
mensions. We demonstrate that the mHB enables the investigation of differen
t behavioral dimensions in rodents in only one test by reproducing the beha
vioral characteristics previously collected from multiple behavioral tests
in rats bred for either high or low anxiety-related behavior. In addition,
the test design, which allows the experimental animal to maintain social co
ntact with its group mates during the test, was shown to minimize stress fo
r experimental animals and, moreover, to enable the investigator to assess
social affinity among group mates. In summary, the mHB test enables animal
models to be comprehensively phenotyped, while simultaneously reducing the
number of animals, and the amount of time required. Therefore, the mHB repr
esents an alternative to the common practice of using a series of more spec
ific tests.