Establishing a Computer-Based Research Laboratory to Teach Comparative Psychology

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In order to teach scientific principles and methods to psychology majors In an applied field, we propose the establishment of a laboratory in comparative psychology. This project is designed to meet two goals. First, it will allow the psychology department to create a new undergraduate laboratory course in animal behavior. Second, the laboratory and computing equipment will allow students to perform detailed acoustic and statistical analysis of the species-typical vocal behavior of zebra finches. By doing this, psychology majors will have the opportunity to become involved in techniques and methods of scientific research that are normally not available to them.Clearly, the optimal undergraduate research experience Involves students working in faculty research laboratories. Unfortunately, this approach limits the number of students who have contact with the faculty member, and the types of research projects in which the students may participate. By establishing a student laboratory in an area that matches the research of a faculty member, these problems are eliminated.