Chapter 13 Comparative Cognition

Syntax

The system of grammatical rules by which symbols are arranged.

Theory of Mind

The tendency to attribute mental states to other individuals.

Tool use

Using item in a manipulative way demonstrates that individual understands relationship between objects and effects.

Communication

The process of sending and receiving a signal of some sort.

Briefly describe the case of Clever Hans and its eventual outcome. Describe a research study in which animals were shown to display numerosity.

A German horse named Hans. The horse was able to respond to any calculation in the form of taps. For instance, if it was asked what the sum of 5 plus 5 is, it would tap 10 times on the floor in order to answer the question. This technique was used by its owner, who was a mathematician and used to teach his students in the similar manner. Some scientists however, raised doubt on the intelligence of the horse. They hypothesized that the horse responded to the facial expression of the questioner and not to the question.

Symbol

A cue that is used to represent some experience or object that you can then share with someone else.

Language

A special category of communication which has key features -- symbols, syntax, and semantics-- that distinguish it from other forms of communication.

Numerosity

An understanding of quantity

Reference

The ability to associate arbitrary symbols with objects or events.

Self-Awareness

The ability to perceive oneself as separate from others.