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Simians in the Shape School: A comparative study of executive attention
Kristin French1, Michael J Beran2, Kimberly Andrews Espy3
1Department of Psychology and Language Research Center, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5010, Atlanta, GA, 30302-5010, USA. kfrench4@student.gsu.edu.
This study adapted the Shape School task for rhesus macaques, demonstrating its utility in assessing executive functions like inhibition and switching in nonhuman animals. The findings suggest this nonverbal task can enhance our understanding of executive functions across species.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Executive functions (EF) are crucial cognitive processes studied in humans.
- Existing EF tasks for young children present administration and interpretation challenges.
- The Shape School task effectively measures inhibition and switching in preschool children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt the Shape School task for nonhuman primates.
- To assess executive functions, specifically inhibition and switching, in rhesus macaques.
- To evaluate the nonverbal task's applicability in comparative cognitive research.
Main Methods:
- A computerized version of the Shape School task was developed.
- Seven rhesus macaques were trained on categorization by color/shape and response inhibition based on visual cues.
- Performance was analyzed for inhibition and switching components, considering trial runs.
Main Results:
- Monkeys successfully performed above chance on inhibition and switching tasks.
- Sustained performance on a single rule or non-inhibition trials did not impede performance during rule changes or inhibition.
- The nonverbal adaptation proved effective in measuring EF in macaques.
Conclusions:
- The computerized Shape School is a viable tool for assessing executive functions in nonhuman animals.
- This nonverbal EF task can be integrated with other assessments for a comprehensive understanding of cognitive abilities.
- The study provides a foundation for cross-species comparisons of executive functions.
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