Question

Catania (1975, 1980) created a study where pigeons were able to choose between a choice and a no-choice condition and found that:

A - pigeons were unable to comprehend the choice component of their task and selected randomly
B - pigeons rotated between the choice and no choice conditions
C - pigeons chose the no-choice condition
D - pigeons chose the choice condition more often than the no-choice condition

Answer 1

The study by Catania found that pigeons preferred the choice condition, indicating their cognitive abilities, which align with the findings of other animal learning experiments like those of Skinner and Köhler.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the study conducted by Catania in 1975 and 1980, it was found that pigeons chose the choice condition more often than the no-choice condition. This finding suggests significant cognitive abilities in pigeons, akin to those observed in other animal learning experiments. For instance, operant conditioning experiments by B.F. Skinner involved shaping pigeons to perform complex tasks, such as playing ping pong, by rewarding them for specific behaviors. Similarly, Wolfgang Köhler's work on cognitive learning with chimpanzees displayed their ability to solve problems and demonstrate abstract thought. Such studies highlight the cognitive skills across various species and contribute to our understanding of animal learning and behavior.