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Show Project studies drugs, learning A project dealing with drug dependency of animals is being conducted by the Physiological Psychology Lab, under the supervision of Dr. H.C. Nielsen. State Dependent Learning deals with animals' (in this case cats and rats) dependency on certain drugs, or the lack of them. Dr. Nielsen stated, "We've found that when the animal is injected with a drug and then taught something, his performance can't be duplicated after the effects of the drugs have worn off." Findings have shown that heroin, alcohol, amphetamines, barbituates, and tranquilizers create state dependent learning. Dr. Nielsen sees one practical application in law enforcement. "Many robberies are committed by drug addicts while under the influence but are unaware of their claims when not influenced by the drug. If apprehended, even a lie detector cannot pick up the addict's guilt." He feels the suspect must either be tested before "coming down," or have the drug re-induced to duplicate the state under which he committed the crime. Dr. Nielsen feels these experiments prove the effectiveness of the Physiological Psychology Lab. |