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Title: Spontaneous Number Ability in Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)
Author: Deborah Pert
Establishment: Essex University
Summary: This study considers if Squirrel monkeys possess a spontaneous number ability. This research utilized a method involving a forced choice decision task originally developed for Rhesus macaques. The Squirrel monkeys were shown two versus three banana slices that were placed individually into two opaque containers, placed 50 cm apart. The monkey was then allowed to select the container of choice. It was predicted that the Squirrel monkeys would ‘go for more’ and select the greater quantity. The results proved unfortunate as they were shown to be statistically insignificant by a binomial test even though the trend suggested that the Squirrel monkeys did overall successfully ‘go for more’. The predominant problem of this study was the lack of participants, but it is hoped that it could be replicated in the future to produce a statistically significant result.
Complete article:
In this study the squirrel monkeys were not trained to conduct this trial, instead the research relied on innate numerical ability. The squirrel monkeys were given the opportunity to select the greater quantity over a lesser quantity of food. The researcher gained the attention of the squirrel monkey at the start by holding up the food stimuli. The researcher then aimed to keep the attention of the individual throughout the presentation of each food source and the placing in the container. The banana slices were shown one at a time and placed in the containers in a counterbalanced fashion. The individual then made its selection and a trial was considered successful if the individual made contact with the container.
Five out of the thirteen monkeys did not complete a successful trial due to lack of attention either because they showed no interest, were not focused or were easily distracted. Out of the 8 individuals that completed a successful trial, 6 individuals selected 3 over 2 banana slices and 2 selected 2 over 3. The results show an overall tendency to go for more, but were not statistically significant.
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