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Investigations of rhesus monkey video-task performance: evidence for enrichmentWe have developed the Language Research Center's Computerized Test System (LRC-CTS) for psychological research. Basically, the LRC-CTS is a battery of software tasks--computerized versions of many of the classic testing paradigms of cognitive and comparative psychology--and the hardware required to administer them. An XT- or 386-compatible computer is connected to a color monitor, onto which computer-generated stimuli are presented. Sound feedback is delivered through an external speaker/amplifier, and a joystick is used as an input device. The animals reach through the mesh of their home cages to manipulate the joystick, which causes isomorphic movements of a cursor on the screen thereby allowing animals to respond according to the varied demands of the tasks. Correct responses are rewarded with a fruit-flavored chow pellet. Using this technology, we have trained and tested rhesus monkeys, a variety of apes, human adults, and normally developing or mentally retarded human children. Other labs using the LRC-CTS are beginning to report encouraging results with other monkey species as well. From this research, a number of interesting and important psychological findings have resulted. In the present paper, however, evidence will be reviewed which suggests that the LRC-CTS is an effective means of providing environmental enrichment to singly housed rhesus monkeys.
Document ID
20040090152
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Washburn, D. A.
(Georgia State University Atlanta 30303, United States)
Rumbaugh, D. M.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science / American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Volume: 31
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1060-0558
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG2-438
CONTRACT_GRANT: HD-06016
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Number 00-00
NASA Discipline Space Human Factors
NASA Discipline Number 06-10

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