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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
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Published on: February 10, 2023
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Task switching in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) during computerized
Travis R Smith1, Michael J Beran1
1Language Research Center, Georgia State University.
Summary
Monkeys and pigeons show similar abstract categorization skills, suggesting associative learning. However, cue reversals reveal a mix of associative and cognitive processes in monkey decision-making.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Comparative cognition
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Abstract categorization procedures were previously developed for pigeons.
- These procedures involved categorizing clipart icons based on rules like object number or variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend abstract categorization procedures to monkeys (capuchin and rhesus).
- To investigate the cognitive mechanisms underlying categorization in monkeys, comparing them to pigeons.
- To examine the role of associative versus rule-based learning and cognitive control in monkey categorization.
Main Methods:
- Replication of Castro & Wasserman's (2016) abstract categorization task with monkeys.
- Introduction of categorization cue reversals in a second experiment.
- Analysis of acquisition, error patterns, switch costs, and response latencies.
Main Results:
- Monkeys' performance mirrored pigeons' in initial acquisition, error patterns, and lack of switch costs.
- Insensitivity to irrelevant information suggested dominant associative categorization in Experiment 1.
- Cue reversals caused significant deficits, indicating associative learning, but response latencies suggested nonassociative processes.
Conclusions:
- Monkey abstract categorization involves a blend of associative learning and cognitive-control processes.
- Findings suggest that while associative mechanisms are prominent, cognitive control also influences categorization judgments in monkeys.
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