An experiment is reported which confirms a prediction from the writer's theory of shape recognition. The same experiment is held to refute an alternative theory, but this refutation is not conclusive, since the alternative theory has not been clearly stated and can be interpreted in several conflicting ways. It is shown that these possible interpretations of the alternative theory all yield predictions which are not confirmed by the present findings.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DeutschJ. A. (1960). The plexiform zone and shape recognition in the Octopus. Nature185, 443–6.
2.
DodwellP. C. (1957). Shape recognition in rats. Brit. J. Psychol.48, 221–9.
3.
DodwellP. C. (1960). Discrimination of small shapes by the rat. Quart. J. exp. Psychol.12, 237–41.
4.
DodwellP. C. (1961a). Visual orientation preferences in the rat. Quart. J. exp. Psychol.13, 40–7.
5.
DodwellP. C. (1961b). Facts, and theories of shape discrimination. Nature191, 578–81.
6.
EdwardsA. L. (1960). Experimental Design in Psychological Research.New York.
7.
SutherlandN. S. (1957). Visual discrimination of orientation and shape by the Octopus. Nature179, 11–3.
8.
SutherlandN. S. (1958a). Visual discrimination of shape by Octopus: squares and triangles. Quart. J. exp. Psychol.10, 40–7.
9.
SutherlandN. S. (1958b). Visual discrimination of the orientation of rectangles by octopus vulgaris Lamarck. J. comp. physiol. Psychol.51, 452–8.
10.
SutherlandN. S. (1960a). The visual discrimination of shape by Octopus: squares and rectangles. J. comp. physiol. Psychol.53, 95–104.
11.
SutherlandN. S. (1960b). Theories of shape discrimination in Octopus. Nature186, 840–4.
