Abstract-concept learning and list-memory processing by capuchin and rhesus monkeys.
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.
Wright
Anthony A
AA
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, P.O. Box 20708, Houston, Texas 77225, USA. anthony.a.wright@uth.tmc.edu
Rivera
Jacquelyne J
JJ
Katz
Jeffrey S
JS
Bachevalier
Jocelyne
J
D000818:Animals; D002428:Cebus / Q000523:psychology*; D003210:Concept Formation; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011340:Problem Solving; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D012691:Serial Learning; D013045:Species Specificity; D014163:Transfer, Psychology