Final answer:
To study cognition in nonhuman animals, researchers employ methods such as behavioral experiments with mazes, insight learning tasks like stacking boxes, communication studies using symbols, and field observations to differentiate between innate and learned behaviors.
Explanation:
To study cognition in nonhuman animals, researchers may utilize a variety of experimental techniques. Four notable methods include: Behavioral Experiments: These involve tasks such as maze running, where researchers like H.C. Blodgett in the 1920s observed rats navigating mazes to find food rewards, demonstrating simple mammalian cognitive skills. Insight Learning: Pioneered by Wolfgang Köhler with chimpanzees, this method showcases animals' ability to solve problems through abstract thought, such as stacking boxes to retrieve a banana. Communication Studies: Studies such as those by primatologist Sue Savage-Rumbaugh with bonobos involve teaching them to use lexigrams, illustrating their capacity for advanced cognitive linguistic skills. Field Studies: Observing animals in natural settings, such as parks or zoos, helps researchers understand how animals react to changes in their environment and communicate with each other, differentiating between innate and learned behaviors. These methods allow scientists to explore the cognitive processes of different species, contributing to our understanding of animal intelligence and behavior.