| Records |
| Author |
Blaisdell, A.P.; Sawa, K.; Leising, K.J.; Waldmann, M.R. |
| Title |
Causal reasoning in rats |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Science (New York, N.Y.) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Science |
| Volume |
311 |
Issue |
5763 |
Pages |
1020-1022 |
| Keywords |
Animals; *Association Learning; Bayes Theorem; *Cognition; Comprehension; Forecasting; Male; Rats; Rats, Long-Evans |
| Abstract |
Empirical research with nonhuman primates appears to support the view that causal reasoning is a key cognitive faculty that divides humans from animals. The claim is that animals approximate causal learning using associative processes. The present results cast doubt on that conclusion. Rats made causal inferences in a basic task that taps into core features of causal reasoning without requiring complex physical knowledge. They derived predictions of the outcomes of interventions after passive observational learning of different kinds of causal models. These competencies cannot be explained by current associative theories but are consistent with causal Bayes net theories. |
| Address |
Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. blaisdell@psych.ucla.edu |
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Place of Publication |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1095-9203 |
ISBN |
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| Notes |
PMID:16484500 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial  |
154 |
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| Author |
Moses, S.N.; Villate, C.; Ryan, J.D. |
| Title |
An investigation of learning strategy supporting transitive inference performance in humans compared to other species |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Neuropsychologia |
Abbreviated Journal |
Neuropsychologia |
| Volume |
44 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
1370-1387 |
| Keywords |
Adult; Analysis of Variance; Association Learning/*physiology; *Cognition; *Concept Formation; Female; Humans; *Logic; Male; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology; Photic Stimulation/methods; Reaction Time/physiology |
| Abstract |
Generalizations about neural function are often drawn from non-human animal models to human cognition, however, the assumption of cross-species conservation may sometimes be invalid. Humans may use different strategies mediated by alternative structures, or similar structures may operate differently within the context of the human brain. The transitive inference problem, considered a hallmark of logical reasoning, can be solved by non-human species via associative learning rather than logic. We tested whether humans use similar strategies to other species for transitive inference. Results are crucial for evaluating the validity of widely accepted assumptions of similar neural substrates underlying performance in humans and other animals. Here we show that successful transitive inference in humans is unrelated to use of associative learning strategies and is associated with ability to report the hierarchical relationship among stimuli. Our work stipulates that cross-species generalizations must be interpreted cautiously, since performance on the same task may be mediated by different strategies and/or neural systems. |
| Address |
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Canada. smoses@rotman-baycrest.on.ca |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0028-3932 |
ISBN |
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| Notes |
PMID:16503340 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
153 |
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