Absolute and relational control of a sequential auditory discrimination by pigeons (Columba livia)

Behavioural Processes
Matthew S Murphy, Robert G. Cook

Abstract

Recent evidence indicates that pigeons can readily learn visual discriminations based on both absolute and relational stimulus factors. To examine how these two types of control function in their non-dominant auditory modality, we tested four pigeons in a go/no-go sequential auditory discrimination in which both absolute and relational cues were redundantly available. In this task, sequences of different sounds created from one set of pitches were reinforced, while different sequences created from another set of pitches and any same sequences made from either set of pitches were not. Across three experiments, we independently varied the relative discriminability of the absolute and relational components. The pigeons were consistently and primarily controlled by the absolute fundamental pitch of our notes in all of the experiments, although this was influenced by the range and arrangement of the pitches used in each set. A majority of the pigeons also demonstrated relational control when this component was made more salient. The more robust control exhibited by absolute factors is consistent with the comparative hypothesis that birds in general may have a well-developed aptitude for processing absolute pitch in many auditory set...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 4, 2012·Cognition·Robert G CookNicholas Commons-Miller
Jul 6, 2010·Behavioural Processes·Carl Erick Hagmann, Robert G Cook
Dec 1, 2015·Behavioural Processes·Robert G CookRyan Oliveira
Jul 21, 2009·Behavioural Processes·L Martinez, T Matsuzawa
Aug 12, 2015·Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science·Neil McMillanChristopher B Sturdy
Feb 12, 2017·Frontiers in Neural Circuits·Takahiro NodaHirokazu Takahashi
Nov 24, 2020·IScience·Lysann Wagener, Andreas Nieder
Mar 28, 2018·Neuroscience Research·Takahiro Noda, Hirokazu Takahashi

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