Analogical reasoning by corvids using a new experimental paradigm
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Date
2021
Authors
Cheri, Breanna
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Abstract
An analogy is the comparison of two pairs of ideas or items based upon the relationship of the features or functions that they share (e.g., a puppy is to a dog as a kitten is to a cat). Analogies are useful for gathering new information based on comparisons between familiar and novel items. I adapted a new paradigm, originally designed for humans, to assess analogical reasoning by a highly intelligent species of corvid, pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus). My objective was to determine whether pinyon jays could use a same/different relational rule to progressively solve more difficult analogical reasoning problems. During an operant task, the birds were first presented with two items that could be defined by their similarity or difference along a common property (e.g., shape: two circles). The birds were required to learn the commonality between the first two items (e.g., same shape). They were then presented with a single third item (e.g., a square), followed by two choice items. The birds were required to accurately match the third item with the correct choice (e.g., a square), to create an analogical match (e.g., a same-shape relationship: a circle is to a circle as a square is to a square). Despite using a similar training procedure to that used with humans, the pinyon jays showed difficulty learning the task requirements. This resulted in an inability to test for concept learning. Described herein are aspects of the task, including stimulus presentation, early training procedures, and factors controlling the progression of a session that might have prevented learning. My thesis highlights specific training procedures that should be avoided when attempting to train pinyon jays on relational similarity. As there is currently a need for new methods of assessing analogical reasoning by non-human animals, the failure of the current study procedure provides insight into task requirements that may prove necessary for future studies. Specifically, when employing paradigms which attempt to train subjects on problems that require them to complete a presented analogy.
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Keywords
Analogical reasoning, Relational similarity, Pinyon jays, Same, Different, Complete-the-relation, Analogy paradigm, Operant chamber, Analogical reasoning, Relational similarity, Pinyon jays, Same, Different, Complete-the-relation, Operant chamber, Analogy paradigm