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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Published on: February 9, 2024
Memory for "what", "where", and "when" information in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Megan L Hoffman1, Michael J Beran, David A Washburn
1Department of Psychology and Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. mhoffman5@gsu.edu
Summary
Rhesus monkeys demonstrated working memory for object identity, location, and time. Evidence suggests these memory components can be integrated in working memory.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Primate Behavior
- Comparative Psychology
Background:
- Working memory is crucial for complex cognition.
- Understanding the capacity and integration of different memory components (what, where, when) is key.
- Rhesus monkeys offer a valuable model for studying primate cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate working memory for 'what', 'where', and 'when' information in rhesus monkeys.
- To examine the integration of these memory components within working memory.
- To utilize a computerized delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS) paradigm.
Main Methods:
- Monkeys performed identity, spatial, and temporal DMTS tasks.
- Tasks were combined to assess memory for multiple event components simultaneously.
- Experiment 2 combined 'what' and 'where' memory.
- Experiment 3 combined 'what', 'where', and 'when' memory.
Main Results:
- Rhesus monkeys successfully reported 'what', 'where', and 'when' information.
- Performance indicated the capacity to retain individual memory components.
- Some evidence suggested integration of these components in working memory.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys possess working memory capabilities for multiple event attributes.
- Findings support the idea of integrated working memory in primates.
- This study advances our understanding of comparative cognition and memory systems.
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