Question

Some investigators claim they have taught monkeys to understand spoken English, but another scientist argues that the results might be due to a Clever Hans effect. What does this mean?

a) Monkeys are inherently incapable of language comprehension.
b) The monkeys were using nonverbal cues to respond to questions.
c) Clever Hans was a famous monkey who learned English.
d) The investigators used rigorous scientific methods.

Answer 1

The Clever Hans effect implies animals may respond to nonverbal cues, not language comprehension. Research shows primates can use sign language or symbols, evidencing some linguistic capacities, but whether this reflects true understanding or mere mimicry influenced by human interaction remains contested.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Clever Hans effect refers to a phenomenon where an animal or person responds to subtle, unintentional cues given by their human trainers or experimenters, rather than understanding or processing the information as it might seem. This term originats from a horse named Clever Hans that was believed to be able to perform mathematical calculations, but was later found to be responding to the body language of the human questioner.

Research into primate cognitive abilities, specifically the role of mirror neurons, suggests that the capacity for some form of linguistic behavior could exist among nonhuman primates. These investigations have shown that primates can imitate and interpret actions, suggesting the neurological foundations for complex communication may be present. However, it is also acknowledged that most communication systems in animals are quite limited compared to the open-ended nature of human language.