The present technology provides a mechanical conflict device operable to assess a physiologic experience for example, pain or drug addiction in an animal, the device comprising: a housing having a floor connected to a plurality of walls, the floor and plurality of walls defining: a holding compartment, an alley compartment connected to the holding compartment, the alley compartment has a plurality of perforations disposed on the floor of the alley compartment, and a compensatory compartment connected to the alley compartment. The compensatory compartment is operable to provide a positive stimulus to the animal. The device also includes a noxious mechanical stimulus the noxious mechanical stimulus having a platform, a plurality of pins disposed on the platform and a platform raising mechanism capable of raising the plurality of pins through the plurality of perforations in the floor of the alley compartment.
