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Event memory and misinformation effects in a gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Bennett L Schwartz1, Christian A Meissner, Megan Hoffman
1Florida International University, University Park, FL 33199, Miami, USA. schwartb@fiu.edu
Animal Cognition
|April 8, 2004
Summary
This study explored event memory in a gorilla, finding it could recognize specific events and objects. However, misinformation impaired recall, suggesting complex memory processes in great apes.
Area of Science:
- Primate cognition
- Comparative psychology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Understanding memory in non-human animals is crucial for comparative cognition research.
- Investigating event memory and susceptibility to misinformation in great apes offers insights into the evolution of memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine event memory and misinformation effects in an adult male gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).
- To assess the gorilla's ability to recognize specific events and objects after a retention interval.
- To determine if misinformation impacts recall accuracy in this species.
Main Methods:
- The gorilla witnessed unique events involving familiar/novel persons or novel objects.
- After a 5-10 minute interval, the gorilla identified target photographs from a set of three.
- Experiment 4 introduced misinformation (incorrect but plausible photographs) to test recall accuracy.
Main Results:
- The gorilla performed significantly above chance in recognizing target photographs across initial experiments.
- In the presence of misinformation, the gorilla's performance dropped to chance levels.
- When no misinformation was presented, recall accuracy remained significantly above chance.
Conclusions:
- The gorilla demonstrated a capacity for event memory and recognition.
- Misinformation significantly impaired the gorilla's memory performance.
- Findings are consistent with an episodic-memory interpretation, though familiarity effects cannot be ruled out.