4 March 2005

Women and science programme

Dr Ramanee Peiris who leads the University of Dundee's research into 'computer interviewing' will launch the University's Women and Science programme today with a public talk entitled 'Why we tell computers embarrassing things'.

Ramanee will discuss how her team's research shows that people can be more comfortable being asked questions by a computer rather than by a person in a one to one or group setting. The research has been trialed in GP surgeries and schools giving patients and pupils the opportunity to provide answers to a computer that they would find embarrassing to convey to a doctor or teacher.

Ramanee explains, "The impersonal, non-judgmental, patient 'nature' of the computer seems to help people talk about issues that they find embarrassing such as explaining feelings of anxiety to a doctor. The results from the computer questionnaires can be used by GPs to identify specific problems that people may have been embarrassed to raise in a face-to-face setting. With a close link between mental and physical health it can help the GP to diagnose and treat physical problems if they are aware of an underlying mental problem such as anxiety or depression."

As well as Ramanee's lecture, the Women and Science programme includes the exhibition 'Her Own Sphere' which celebrates the achievements and importance of Dundee’s most famous female innovators within science including the Baxter sisters. 'Her Own Sphere' explores women's relationships with science and how their role has shaped the University. In 1881 the University's founder, Mary Baxter insisted that the college would promote the education of both sexes in the study of science, literature and fine arts.

Dr Ramanee Peiris' lecture takes place in the tower extension lecture theatre in the University's Tower Building on Friday 4 March at 5.30pm. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The exhibition 'Her Own Sphere' opens on Friday 4 March in the Lamb Gallery, Tower Building, University of Dundee.

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk