AL&C Lecture 1 - Historical Background to studying Animal Cognition

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the central idea presented in Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' regarding the evolution of humans and other animals?

Human beings have evolved separately and are uniquely distinct from the evolutionary processes affecting other animals.
Behavior in animals is primarily determined by instinct, while human behavior is largely a product of learning and experiences.
There aren't different mechanisms that guide the evolution of humans versus other animals. (correct)
Evolution primarily acts on physical traits, with behavior being a secondary consequence that does not significantly contribute to species adaptation.

How does Lloyd Morgan's Canon guide the interpretation of animal behavior?

It suggests that animal behavior should be interpreted in the context of its ecological niche and adaptive significance.
It encourages attributing human-like reasoning and emotions to animals to better understand their actions.
It promotes the interpretation of animal behavior in the simplest terms possible, avoiding assumptions of higher cognitive processes if a simpler explanation suffices. (correct)
It advocates for the use of complex experimental designs to uncover hidden cognitive abilities in animals.

Which of the following reflects John B. Watson's perspective on the development of human behavior?

Behavior is best understood through the lens of introspection and individual experiences.
Behavior is primarily determined by innate predispositions and genetic inheritance.
Behavior is shaped almost entirely by learning and environmental factors. (correct)
Behavior is an unpredictable mix of innate factors and cultural experiences.

In the context of studying animal cognition, how does comparative psychology broaden our understanding?

By comparing psychological abilities and processes across different species. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Edward Thorndike's research methodology differ from that of George Romanes in the study of animal intelligence?

Thorndike used controlled experiments and objective measurements, while Romanes relied on anecdotal observations and anthropomorphism. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle that emerged from Edward Thorndike's puzzle box experiments?

Animals learn gradually through trial and error, with successful actions becoming more frequent. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did John B. Watson's Little Albert experiment contribute to the field of psychology?

It demonstrated how emotional responses could be classically conditioned in humans. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of animal cognition contribute to artificial intelligence and computational modeling?

It provides insights into biological systems that may inspire novel approaches to AI design and problem-solving. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options correctly describes the relationship between variability and natural selection?

Variability provides the raw material on which natural selection acts, allowing populations to adapt to changing conditions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider multiple disciplines when studying animal cognition?

To gain insights from different perspectives, such as neuroscience, psychology, and computer science, leading to a more comprehensive understanding. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Edward Thorndike hoping to prove with his research?

That animals are unable to reason. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did Conway Lloyd Morgan's work influence the study of animal behavior?

By advocating for parsimonious explanations of animal behavior. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is a trial-by-trial learning curve typically different from what one might hypothetically expect?

Trial-by-trial curves exhibit plateaus and spikes rather than the typical smooth descent. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Watson justify the use of animals in behavioral research?

Animal models offered a simplified system for understanding basic learning principles applicable to humans. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does 'natural and intellectual curiosity' contribute to the study of animal cognition?

It provides an intrinsic motivation for scientists to explore and understand the cognitive abilities of animals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Darwin, what is required for natural selection to occur?

Variability among individuals in a population. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does behavioral neuroscience relate to the study of animal cognition?

It provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Thorndike's law of effect, what affects a response?

Whether the response results in a good outcome. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why should one avoid rote memorization when approaching the study of animal learning (as the content suggests)?

Because the content is focused on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who was against the concept of anthropomorphism?

Conway Lloyd Morgan. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the lecture, why might lecturers ramble into trivia?

To provide a break from concentrating on difficult content. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the lecture, when should a student ask for help understanding the content?

After listening to the lecture again, taking notes, and posting on the discussion board. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Watson guarantee to be able to do if given a dozen infants?

Train them to be any type of specialist. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Thorndike's puzzle box experiments, how did the animal's behaviour change over time?

The time to escape gradually decreased. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the lecture, what is one reason to study animal cognition?

To understand how species differ in cognitive abilities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Who was the subject in Watson's controversial psychology experiment?

Little Albert. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should a scientist do if a behaviour is not the outcome of higher psychological ability?

Interpret it as the outcome of a lower psychological scale. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does clinical psychology benefit from studying animal cognition?

By developing animal models for studying and treating human psychological conditions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does an arrow pointing from S to R mean in Thorndike's 'Law of effect'?

That the stimulus can provoke a response. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who was a major advocate for Behaviorism?

Burrhus Frederick Skinner. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are more offspring born than can survive??

To allow competition for resources. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the professor not write everything down?

Because students will try to write everything down word-for-word. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Comparative Psychology

The study of how different species vary in their psychological abilities and processes.

"Origin of Species"

Published in 1859, it posits no fundamental difference between human evolution and other animal evolution.