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Author (up) Werner, C. W.; Rehkämper, G. doi  openurl
  Title Discrimination of multidimensional geometrical figures by chickens: categorization and pattern-learning Type Journal Article
  Year 1999 Publication Animal Cognition Abbreviated Journal Anim. Cogn.  
  Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 27-40  
  Keywords Domestic chicken – Integral compound – figures – Multidimensional stimulus discrimination  
  Abstract Japanese bantam hens were trained to discriminate between geometrical figures varying along four integral dimensions. Only one dimension predicted food: selections of sharp-cornered figures were reinforced, while selections of rounded figures were not. In experiment 1, hens were subsequently trained to discriminate between nine figure pairs in a simultaneous discrimination task. Because single pairs contained multiple redundant cues, whereas the relevant dimension was obvious only across stimulus pairs, the results revealed effects of both generalization and reversal learning. Accordingly, learning speed was enhanced for later discriminations. Experiment 2 tested the hens“ transfer performance to unknown pairs, following experience of 9 or 18 figure pairs. Four of seven hens showed reliable transfer after experience with 9 figures, but only three showed transfer after experience with 18 figures, indicating lower transfer with higher number of stimulus pairs learned. In experiment 3, hens were trained to discriminate 27 figure pairs. Discrimination ratios further decreased and the groups of pairs differed significantly in their ratios of discrimination. Individual hens” pecking behaviour was analysed in relation to each dimension of single figures and in relation to relative differences in the levels of dimensions between paired figures. Hens were shown to be oriented towards irrelevant information and more towards relational and configurational than elemental and dimensional aspects. The results are discussed in the biological context of individual recognition in chickens" dominance hierarchies, in which we suppose that chickens identify individual flock mates by representation of their visual pattern rather than by single characteristics.  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3359  
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Author (up) Werner, C.; Rehkämper, G. doi  openurl
  Title Categorization of multidimensional geometrical figures by chickens (Gallus gallus f. domestica): fit of basic assumptions from exemplar, feature and prototype theory Type Journal Article
  Year 2001 Publication Animal Cognition Abbreviated Journal Anim. Cogn.  
  Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 37-48  
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  Abstract Five hens, experienced in discrimination of two categories of multidimensional geometrical figures presented in fixed pairs in a simultaneous discrimination, were tested with familiar figures arranged as new pairs to assess the dependence of categorization performance on learned relational or configural cues. Test performance did not differ from training: relational or configural cues still influenced discrimination performance. It was suggested that – in accordance with exemplar theories – this influence depended on differences between pairs of probe exemplars that facilitate retrieval of learned category members. To test whether exemplar, feature or prototype theory was most suitable to explain categorization by chickens, the rates of pecking at exemplars were analysed using principal components analysis (PCA). The distribution of the exemplars' component loads on the single component obtained was examined in the light of the conditions dictated by the three types of theories on how representative category exemplars should be. The least constraining theory, i.e. the exemplar theory, was most suitable. Defining factors of classificatory behaviour are discussed with a special emphasis on the characteristics of category-defining stimulus attributes.  
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  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3301  
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