Lecture 2a - Numbers

Question 1

An animal’s mental tool kit

Answer 1

some universals and others unique

unique selection pressures that evolved different mental tools to suit environment

Question 2

Why are numbers a fundamental property?

Answer 2

Something all animals confront - they perceive the amount of something but they might not have a numerical system
Numbers are not the same as quantity

Question 3

Observation of Clever Hans (horse)

Answer 3

apparently trained to do math
Analysis of questioner behaviour showed that non verbal cues indicated when Hans had reached the correct answer
Sensitivity to non verbal cues

Question 4

Absolute numbers in Rats

Answer 4

Speed of running down an alley way to food
Random sequence of RRRN and NRRRN
Slowed after 3 reward trials
Counted the number of rewards - 3rd being the cue to no food

Question 5

Absolute numbers in monkeys

Answer 5

Different configuration of the numbers on the grid
Had to touch them smallest to largest
Are they represented on an ordinal scale - added 5 and 6 and could do it

Question 6

understanding of relative numerosity, absolute numerosity and ordinal scale

Answer 6

chimp Sheba - use of interval scale

Parrot Alex - Verbal report of correct number answer to a question, could do math by add or was he just counting

Question 7

What can animals do with significant training?

Answer 7

distinguish more from fewer
Perceive absolute numbers
Represent numbers on an ordinal and interval scale
Learn Numeric symbols