Lecture 23

Question 1

Define language?

Answer 1

• System of combining symbols (words) so that an infinite number of meaningful statements can be made for the purpose of communicating with others

Question 2

What have scientists been trying to do with primates?

Answer 2

trying to teach primates human languages.

Question 3

What are some of the examples discussed in class of primates learning human gestures?

Answer 3

Kanzi
Washoe
Nim Chimpsky
Koko

Question 4

Describe the study done with Matata and Kanzi?

Answer 4

• Tried to teach Matata how to use a lexigram symbol diagram, but Kanzi picked it up.
• Kanzi knows 300 words and expresses desires. He understand words spoken over phone.

Question 5

What are some criticisms of Kanzi?

Answer 5

Kanzi learned to use lexicon by associative learning. Did he just make the connection for button pressing and food or did he learn to express real desires?

Question 6

Describe the Washoe study

Answer 6

Raised in a home setting
Learned 350 signs
Taught son Loulis 60 signs

Question 7

Describe the Nim Chimpsky study?

Answer 7

Raised from 2 wks in a house as part of a family.
Learned 125 signs
Terrace (researcher) abandoned the project and Nim was sold into medical experiments

Question 8

Describe the Koko the Gorilla study?

Answer 8

Patterson (researcher) taught Koko ASL frm 1 yo.

• can sign 1,000 words
• understand 2,000 English words

Question 9

Describe the Griffin the parrot study?

Answer 9

Pepperberg (researcher) trained Griffin using model/rival technique
-Parrot observes and copies behaviors demontrated by researchers

Question 10

Describe the Chaser border collie study?

Answer 10

Pilley (researcher) taught his dog more than 1,000 words.

-appears to understand syntax