Infrared touch technology as a response detector in animal research

The construction of a computerized research system is described. Stimuli are presented to a pigeon on a color television monitor. Pecks at the television screen are detected by a network of multiplexed infrared emitters and detectors; the coordinates of the peck are transmitted to the host computer. Computer graphics allows the experimenter to simultaneously present a variety of forms and colors as stimuli. The system accommodates innovative research methodology in animal cognition, animal psychophysics, comparative psychology, and other research interests. With modification, the system can be used with other species, including humans.