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Published on: June 18, 2018
Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) show robust evidence for memory awareness across multiple generalization tests
Victoria L Templer1, Robert R Hampton
1Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. victoria.templer@emory.edu
Animal Cognition
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Rhesus monkeys demonstrate memory awareness by selectively declining difficult memory tests. This flexible behavior indicates they assess their private memory state, not just external cues.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Animal Behavior
- Comparative Psychology
Background:
- Metacognition research in nonhuman animals is crucial for understanding consciousness.
- Previous studies suggest rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) can decline memory tests when memory is weak.
- Concerns exist that prior training may lead to test-specific associations rather than genuine metacognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether rhesus monkeys' selective decline of memory tests is based on genuine metacognition or learned associations.
- To assess if monkeys evaluate their private memory state when deciding to decline a test.
Main Methods:
- Monkeys performed a delayed matching to location task with a decline option.
- Generalization tests were used to differentiate metacognitive assessment from stimulus-response learning.
- Three conditions assessed generalization: two weakening memory, one enhancing memory.
Main Results:
- Monkeys were more accurate with a decline option, indicating selective decline when memory was weak.
- The decline response generalized appropriately across novel conditions that altered memory strength.
- Performance was not controlled by specific external stimuli, suggesting flexible use of the decline option.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys' use of the decline response is not based on learned associations with external stimuli.
- Monkeys exhibit a flexible, metacognitive ability to assess their private memory status.
- This study provides strong evidence for memory awareness in nonhuman primates.
