The percentage of the subject’s time and/or path in the target quadrant is compared with those of the other quadrants to give an indication of the subject’s memory of the platform location.

In probe trials, a significant preference for the target quadrant (when the learned platform location is in the center of the quadrant) regardless of start point, shows spatial memory of the location, rather than use of a procedural strategy (such as following a route from the start point or circling at the correct distance from the pool wall).

If, however, subjects with strong spatial memory realise quickly that the platform is not there, they may move on to search elsewhere, in which case time slice analysis can be used to reveal a strong preference for the target quadrant early in the trial.

In learning trials, the percentage of the subject’s time and/or path in the target quadrant can be used to assess strategy development over time and before latency consistently decreases: increasing time and path in the target quadrant may emerge as learning progresses and the subject searches close to the platform rather than over the whole pool.

In reversal learning, where the platform is moved, the percentage of the subject’s time and/or path in the old target quadrant can be used to help assess cognitive inflexibility, by giving a clear indication of any perseveration (continuing to search at the former platform location).

In the HVS Image system the percentages of the subject’s time and path in each quadrant are given, allowing distinction between preference for the target quadrant itself and other spatial biases (such as preference for one side of the pool). More precise measures of focused search around the target location are also given for each calibrated platform position: see Close Passes and Gallagher Proximity Measures.

Note that the percentages of the subject’s time and path in each quadrant is useful when platforms are placed in the centers of quadrants, as in typical Morris water maze setups – but when different positions are used quadrant-independent measures such as Close Passes and Gallagher Proximity Measures are needed.