Re: More on imitative learning in animals

[Ron Blue]

A fellow psychologist reported that his neighbor's cat would jump up on a
ledge an press the door bell so its owners would come and let it in.  The
cat was not taught to do this.  I believe this may have occurred though
observational learning across species.

Ron Blue

Re: More on imitative learning in animals

[Sue Frantz]

Stephen Black wrote:

 My previous note mentioned rats, so we have at least 8 species on
 a growing list. Still wanted: porpoise/dolphin.

Thus prompted, I visited Sea World's website at
http://www.seaworld.org/animal_training/atlearn.html.  Here's what they
have to say:

**
What is observational learning?

Observational learning is a term we use to describe how an animal learns
by watching others. Observational learning occurs with
no outside reinforcement -- the animal simply learns by observing.

During the first few months of life many young animals' entire
repertoire of behaviors is made up of behaviors that copy or mimic
from others. Killer whales calves constantly follow their mothers and
attempt to mimic everything they do.

Adult animals trained with experienced animals may learn at a faster
rate. An intriguing question with no simple answer,
observational learning remains a powerful learning process.

**

-- 
Sue Frantz, Asst Prof of Psych [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Faculty Office Bldg, 2400 Scenic Drive Office: (505)439-3731
New Mexico State Univ. - AlamogordoFax: (505)439-3802
Alamogordo, NM  88310  USA http://web.nmsu.edu/~sfrantz