Abstract-concept learning and list-memory processing by capuchin and rhesus monkeys

J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process. 2003 Jul;29(3):184-98. doi: 10.1037/0097-7403.29.3.184.

Abstract

Three capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) touched the lower of 2 pictures (same) or a white rectangle (different), increased same/different abstract-concept learning (52% to 87%) with set-size increases (8 to 128 pictures), and were better than 3 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Three other rhesus that touched the top picture before choices learned similar to capuchins but were better at list-memory learning. Both species' serial position functions were similar in shape and changes with retention delays. Other species showed qualitatively similar shape changes but quantitatively different time-course changes. In abstract-concept learning, qualitative similarity was shown by complete concept learning, whereas a quantitative difference would have been a set-size slope difference. Qualitative similarity is discussed in relation to general-process versus modular cognitive accounts.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cebus / psychology*
  • Concept Formation*
  • Discrimination Learning
  • Macaca mulatta / psychology*
  • Male
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual*
  • Problem Solving
  • Retention, Psychology
  • Serial Learning*
  • Species Specificity
  • Transfer, Psychology