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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effect of Induced Emotion on Grammar Learning

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Published on: January 29, 2020

"Artificial grammar learning" in pigeons: a preliminary analysis.

Walter T Herbranson¹, Charles P Shimp

¹Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, USA.

Learning & Behavior

|May 3, 2008

Summary

Pigeons learned artificial grammars, similar to humans, by categorizing letter strings as grammatical or non-grammatical. This demonstrates abstract concept learning in birds, supporting multiple learning mechanisms.

Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Animal Behavior
Comparative Cognition

Background:

Artificial grammar learning (AGL) is a key paradigm for studying human implicit learning.
Previous research has primarily focused on human AGL, leaving avian analogues less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate whether pigeons can learn artificial grammars, serving as an avian model for human AGL.
To determine if pigeons learn abstract grammatical rules or rely on memorizing specific strings.

Main Methods:

Pigeons were trained to discriminate between strings conforming to an artificial grammar and those violating it.
Stimuli were horizontal strings of colored letters (3-8 letters).
Performance was assessed using familiar and novel strings to test for abstract learning.

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

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Published on: January 29, 2020

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Published on: September 7, 2018

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Main Results:

Pigeons demonstrated above-chance accuracy in categorizing both familiar and novel strings.
This performance indicates successful learning of the abstract grammatical rules.
Results suggest pigeons utilize multiple learning mechanisms, similar to humans.

Conclusions:

Pigeons exhibit artificial grammar learning capabilities analogous to humans.
The findings support a multiple mechanisms account of AGL, involving both abstract rule learning and specific item/pattern memory.