Exploration is a very basic, conspicuous and biologically important behavior of mammals. At the same time, it is complex and involves important experiential and developmental parameters. Dr. Renner's research project consists of several investigations designed to provide detailed descriptive information about the spontaneous exploratory behavior of rats. This objective will be accomplished by recording videotapes of rat exploration, followed by transcription of these recordings using existing methods for measuring exploratory behavior, as well as by applying for the first time a standardized movement.notation technique to the analysis of interactions with inanimate objects. Such an account, if available, could be used as benchmark data for several types of studies, including investigations into the functional significance of spontaneous exploration, research on its relationship to other behaviors related to learning and information.processing, and the study of the biological mechanisms controlling these behaviors.
