Problem solving and logical reasoning in the macaque monkey.
This study focuses on the performances of monkeys in a spatial problem-solving task that involves working memory. Two monkeys had to find, by trial-and-error, the touching order of 2 or 3 targets in a set of 3 or 4 fixed spatial targets. When a solution was found and performed 6 times, the order was changed and the animal had to resume a new search within the same set of targets. Thus, in a training session, many searches (up to 60) could be initialised. The data show that the animals conducted a methodical search for the hidden order and found the solution in a minimal number of trials. We conclude that the monkey is able to construct complex cognitive structures, similar to logical reasoning, to solve spatial problems of this type.
Procyk
E
E
Laboratoire Vision et Motricité, INSERM U 94, Bron, France.
Joseph
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*; D012691:Serial Learning / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology