Dorothy L. Cheney

Research focuses on the social behavior and vocal communication of nonhuman primates (monkeys and apes) in their natural habitat. She conducts field observations of behavior among known individuals in free-ranging groups, tape-records vocalizations, and carries out experiments in which calls are played to animals and their behavioral reactions are filmed. Current research examines the role played by vocalization in reconciliation after aggression. Playback experiments are also used to determine the meaning of primate calls and to explore what monkeys know about the social relationships that exist among their companions.