Lecture 6 Flashcards
Animal Cognition (7 cards)
What is associative learning?
Learning that involves forming associations between stimuli or behaviours and outcomes.
Can invertebrates demonstrate associative learning?
Yes, studies show insects and mollusks can form conditioned responses.
What is the argument for cognition in ‘simpler’ organisms?
That even without complex brains, they can learn, remember, and adapt to environmental cues.
What is the Baldwin effect?
A theory that learned behaviour can indirectly influence evolution by shaping selection pressures.
What is meant by ‘cognition in context’?
Understanding animal cognition within the environmental and ecological niche of the species.
Why is comparing across species important?
To understand the evolution of mental processes and find shared vs. unique traits.
What are some criticisms of animal cognition research?
Anthropomorphism, lack of ecological validity, and overinterpretation of behaviours.
