384 



Dr. Wlllian A. Nlerenberg 

 February 29, 1984 

 Page 3 



- Behavioral Research with Animals 



The United States Is preeminent In laboratory studies of primate 

 behavior, particularly In the psychoblologlcal area. We are also 

 leaders In the study of social behavior of primates In seml- 

 naturallstlc settings. We are well-represented In naturalistic, 

 ethologlcal studies of primates, but maintain less of a leadership 

 role In this area. Japan and the United Kingdom are our major 

 colleagues in behavioral research with primates. 



For the moment, the United States retains Its superiority In basic 

 research in the behavioral, psychological, and cognitive sciences. 

 We are clearly leaders in a number of areas. Including psychometrics, 

 ability testing, cognitive sciences and artificial intelligence, 

 behavioral toxicology, and instructional psychology. There are areas 

 of qualitative difference in theoretical orientation and strength among 

 countries in these area, but overall, the United States is clearly in 

 a leadership position. 



My colleagues and I, however, are very concerned that we may not retain 

 our competitive edge in some of these areas for long. The Japanese 

 government, for example, is investing heavily in artificial Intelligence 

 and the cognitive sciences. The Dutch government is likely to follow 

 suit. It is likely that if we do not increase our own investment in 

 these areas, that we will find ourselves in the competitive situation 

 as we now do in computer technology and development. The reductions 

 in research support for fundamental research in the behavioral, 

 psychological, and cognitive sciences in the National Science Foundation 

 and other federal agencies from FY 1980, therefore, constitutes an 

 extremely critical situation for the behavioral sciences community. 



I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the work of the Committee 

 on International Science of the National Science Board. My colleagues 

 and I would be pleased to provide you with additional information on 

 the areas covered in this letter. 



Sincerely, 



/ 



w//- 



Janet T. Spence 

 President 



JTS:kp 



