Spatial and Visual Probability Learning in the Kinkajou

Abstract

A female kinkajou was trained on both spatial and visual (brightness) probability learning problems. Results on the 70:30 spatial task involving a correction procedure indicated that S maximized within 160 trials. Training on a 50:50 spatial task was interspersed between the 70:30 spatial task and the visual tasks. The first visual task introduced was a 60:40 brightness discrimination involving a correction procedure and which lasted for 980 trials. This was followed by a 70:30 brightness task involving a noncorrection procedure which lasted for 1000 trials. Results on both brightness tasks showed non-random (reward following) matching. The results of both the spatial and visual tasks were interpreted in terms of Bitterman's phyletic hypothesis of intelligence.