Dr. Vanessa Schmitt
Dr. Vanessa Schmitt
Im Neuenheimer Feld 504 69120 Heidelberg Fon +49 6221 54-0000 ed.grebledieh-inu.soc TEA ttimhcs.assenav |
Research Interests:
Scientific Research at Zoos
Comparative Cognition, especially in nonhuman primates
Touchscreen-Technology
Behavioural observations to monitor animal wellbeing
Environmental Enrichment
Visitor Studies
To examine the phylogenetic origins of cognitive processes I compare the cognitive capacities of nonhuman animals (primarily primates), focusing on physical and social cognitive abilities, such as quantity discrimination, causality and communication. In cooperation with Zoo Heidelberg I develop new tools using Touchscreen technology to assess the cognitive capacities of zoo-housed animals and enhance animal welfare. Behavioural observations are conducted to monitor the wellbeing of zoo-housed animals.
Selected Publications:
Schmitt V, Schloegl C, Fischer F (2014) Seeing the experimenter influences the response to pointing cues in long-tailed macaques. Plos One 9(3): e91348. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091348
Schmitt V, Kröger I, Zinner D, Call J, Fischer J (2013) Monkeys perform as well as apes and humans in a size discrimination task. Animal Cognition. DOI 10.1007/s10071-013-0616-0
Schmitt V, Pankau B, Fischer J (2012) Old World monkeys compare to apes in the Primate Cognition Test Battery. PLoS One 7(4): e32024
Schmitt V, Fischer J (2011) Representational format determines numerical competence in monkeys. Nature Communications: 10.1038/ncomms1262
Schmitt V, Fischer J (2009) Inferential reasoning and modality dependent discrimination learning in olive baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis). Journal of Comparative Psychology 123: 316-325