Chimpanzee problem-solving: a test for comprehension

Science. 1978 Nov 3;202(4367):532-5. doi: 10.1126/science.705342.

Abstract

An adult chimpanzee was shown videotaped scenes of a human actor struggling with one of eight problems and was then shown two photographs, one of which depicted an action or an object (or both) that could constitute a solution to the problem. On seven of the eight problems, the animal consistently chose the correct photograph. This test problem-solving comprehension permits the animal's knowledge about problem-solving--its ability to infer the nature of problems and to recognize potential solutions to them--to be examined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Female
  • Motion Pictures
  • Pan troglodytes / physiology*
  • Problem Solving*