Recent research indicates that nonhumans can form internal representations of external events. This research project will examine how internal representations act as mediators between independent external events. The primary tasks to be used in these studies are variations of the delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS) task, a task that requires an organism to make a choice between two comparison stimuli based on a sample stimulus that is no longer physically present. Dr. Steirn will determine the conditions under which the pigeon uses representatives as mediators in the formation of new associations, how the mediators are formed, the characteristics or nature of the mediators, and what classes of stimuli can serve as mediators. Interactive activities include teaching undergraduate courses in Experimental Methodology and Animal Behavior; involvement with the University chapter of Psi Chi, The National Honor Society of Psychology; and holding monthly meetings with female graduate students in animal behavior to discuss career directions and problems that may be encountered as females in a traditionally male area of psychology. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
