“Insight” em macacos-prego (Sapajus spp.) através do treino das habilidades pré-requisito em diferentes contextos de treino

Abstract

Insight is the sudden and spontaneous problem solving. Research on the Insight phenomenon has characterized its occurrence as spontaneous interconnection of repertoires that were previously learned. Recently, studies have demonstrated that monkeys (Sapajus spp.) are able to solve a problem by interconnecting two tasks: (1) assembling two parts of a tool and (2) attaining ("fishing") a box containing food. However, those resolutions did not occur so suddenly, but with pauses between the responses. The objective of the present research is to continue the study on problem solving with monkeys, by testing the hypotheses that modifying the locations in which training and testing are given, the location could become a discriminative stimulus for the response of “fishing”, and the resolution happen without pauses. With one subject (Louis) the abilities (1) and (2) were trained in different locations. The Insight test was given in the same place as the training to attain a box. Louis solved the problem by interconnecting the two tasks, but still with pauses between the responses. One variable that may have interfered with Louis’ response was the fact that the two parts of the testing tool were delivered at the same time. With another subject (Gonzaga) all the training occurred in the same location. The insight test was given in another location. The two parts of the testing tool were delivered separately. The “fishing” part was delivered first, then, after two minutes, the two of them was delivered together. The results showed the same pattern of resolution described previously. The two variables tested: variation of the training and testing locations and the way the tools were delivered did not seem to affect the resolutions. However, it is discussed the need of the suddenness on the problem resolution, since it does not always occur. It is suggested a review on the term Insight, and more researches to expand the knowledge on the subject.