Efeito de diferentes histórias de treino sobre a ocorrência de "insight" em macacos-prego (Cebus spp.)

Abstract

The origin of novel behavior is a multilayered phenomenon that comprehends several distinct processes. One of these processes is known as insightful problem solving. The "insight" could be explained as a result of a spontaneous interconnection of multiple previously learned behavioral repertoires. The objective of this study was to investigate if different performances of insightful problem solving could be produced by different training histories of behavioral prerequisites in Cebus spp. Six subjects were divided in two groups of three subjects each. The prerequisite repertoires taught were: 1) to join two different objects (joining), and; 2) to rake a box with food inside using a tool (raking). The subjects of the first group had an asymmetric training of the two prerequisite repertoires. In this group the joining ability had a short training with a low learning criterion, and an extensive training of the raking ability, with a high learning criterion. The subjects of this group had to obtain more than the double of the number of training sessions for raking, in comparison with the joining repertoire. The other group passed by a symmetric training of the two repertoires, with high learning criterions for both. The subjects of this group passed by the same number of training sessions of joining and raking. In the test situation, a two joinable pieces tool never before handled by the subjects were presented, with a box with food out of range that could only be reached with the joined tool. Most of the subjects successfully solved the final task, with consistent results depending on the type of training. Only one subject of the asymmetric group didn’t solve the task. The topographies of solving were highly dependable on the quantity of training of one repertoire in comparison to another.