Abstract: An apparatus for studying the behavioural, cognitive, neurobiological and/or muscular processes of an animal, the apparatus comprising an elevated platform with at least one panel extending from the platform, said panel providing a surface which has a gradient relative to the platform. A method of studying the behavioural, cognitive, neurobiological and/or muscular processes of an animal, the method comprising placing one or more animals on the apparatus according to the invention and recording the frequency and/or duration the animal is located at one or more positions on the apparatus and/or the latency of the animal to enter an area of the apparatus.