Pepperberg (Parrot learning) study guide with complete
solution
Background
Animals such as Chimps are able to understand abstract thinking (symbolic
representation) like earlier primates were
Aim
Can animals be able to understand the concept of different and same through
categorisation?
Model/ Rival approach
1. Primary trainer asks questions, second trainer answers (Model)
2. The parrot (Rival) fights for attention
*These roles are reversed
*This is continuous reinforcement
Sample
Alex:
- African Grey parrot
- Was in studies involving cognition and communication -He was already familiar with
80+ objects
Research method design
Case study
Familiarisation time stamp
5 minutes- 1 hour
2-4 times a week
Procedure
1. Alex shown objects that differ in shape, colour and material (I.e Blue wooden box)
2. He is asked what is similar and what is different
3. And independent observer is testing him while the primary trainer translates. He can't
see the experiment
- If he gets it incorrect he gets a timeout
- if he gets it correct, then he gets the object
Types of trials
Novel: He had never seen the object
Familiar: He went through familiarisation
Results: First trial
Familiar: 69.7% correct
Novel: 82.5% correcy
Results: All
solution
Background
Animals such as Chimps are able to understand abstract thinking (symbolic
representation) like earlier primates were
Aim
Can animals be able to understand the concept of different and same through
categorisation?
Model/ Rival approach
1. Primary trainer asks questions, second trainer answers (Model)
2. The parrot (Rival) fights for attention
*These roles are reversed
*This is continuous reinforcement
Sample
Alex:
- African Grey parrot
- Was in studies involving cognition and communication -He was already familiar with
80+ objects
Research method design
Case study
Familiarisation time stamp
5 minutes- 1 hour
2-4 times a week
Procedure
1. Alex shown objects that differ in shape, colour and material (I.e Blue wooden box)
2. He is asked what is similar and what is different
3. And independent observer is testing him while the primary trainer translates. He can't
see the experiment
- If he gets it incorrect he gets a timeout
- if he gets it correct, then he gets the object
Types of trials
Novel: He had never seen the object
Familiar: He went through familiarisation
Results: First trial
Familiar: 69.7% correct
Novel: 82.5% correcy
Results: All
