We investigated the interaction between supervision and category structure in visual categorization across two species that we assumed to have different abilities to selectively attend. Specifically, we compared humans and pigeons in a category learning task, in which the category structure (dense vs. sparse) and the level of supervision by corrective feedback (low vs. high) were manipulated. Results showed a benefit of supervision across species, which was particularly strong in learning the sparse categories. Moreover, both species benefited from category structures that had multiple category-relevant dimensions (i.e., dense categories). In addition, humans, who have a more advanced ability to attend selectively, showed faster learning and better generalization overall. Finally, attention was optimized to the category-relevant dimension in the sparse category only in humans. Subsequent computational simulation of the data indicated that these patterns were well explained by a parameter that controls the organism's ability to flexibly switch attention to category-relevant dimensions.
The serial multiple choice task is a cross-species model of serial pattern learning that recruits multiple cognitive mechanisms concurrently. The task requires subjects to learn a complex sequence of responses that follow a specific pattern, which is further organized by the placement of distinct cues throughout the sequence. These cues, termed phrasing cues, denote locations in the pattern where response strategy shifts. Although research suggests that phrasing cues facilitate pattern learning, there is a lack of information on how subjects encode these phrasing cues during the pattern learning process. Thus, the current study investigated this further. In this study, rats and humans completed a computerized version of the serial multiple choice task, in which subjects learned a complex serial pattern with either a temporal or spatial phrasing cue. Following acquisition of the pattern, the phrasing cues were then switched between groups to assess if pattern performance could generalize across different phrasing cue modalities. Although both phrasing cues similarly facilitated pattern acquisition, the subsequent cue switch produced performance impairments for both species. These results indicate limits in the cognitive flexibility available during serial pattern learning, as neither humans nor rats appeared to readily abstract the function of the phrasing cue independent of its stimulus characteristics. Instead, subjects encoded the specific stimulus characteristics of the phrasing cue within the pattern as it was learned, somewhat limiting the generalizability of their learned behavior to novel contexts.
Nonverbal transitive inference (TI) is the ability to derive novel relationships among items based on their existing relationships (e.g., if B > C and C > D, then B > D). Interpreting nonverbal TI research has been challenging due to the difficulty of distinguishing genuinely inferential behavior from performance driven by differences in associative strength accumulated during training. To address these shortcomings, we developed a novel transitive inference list (TIL) task designed to minimize associative strength confounds and provide a clear behavioral signature of competing strategies. In the TIL task, participants learn three short sequences (A -> B -> C, C -> D -> E, and E -> F -> G) in a simultaneous chaining procedure requiring responses to all items in the correct order. Later, participants respond to within-list comparisons (e.g., BC) and a variety of between-list comparisons (e.g., BD, AF, and CF) that either align (consistent pairs) or conflict (conflicting pairs) with trained ordinal positions. Participants who were aware of the overlap between sequences showed evidence of integrating the training sequences into a single, unified list (i.e., A -> & mldr; -> G), correctly selecting the item higher in the integrated list even on conflicting between-list comparisons. Consistent with results from traditional TI and SC tasks, unaware participants did not form an integrated list, instead relying on sequence-specific ordinal positions to guide choice behavior. The TIL task therefore provides a powerful tool for studying inferential behavior that is particularly well suited for comparative research across species.
Animal perceptual systems can shape the evolution of communication signals that help individuals negotiate social interactions. Here, we study this concept by exploring how conserved object recognition systems in anuran amphibians relate to evolutionary innovations in visual signaling behavior. We focus specifically on Bornean rock frogs (Staurois parvus), given that males of this species wave at each other with their hindlimbs (foot flag) to compete for access to mates. Past work shows that males who see this signal freeze as though they saw a predator; thus, we test whether perceptual systems that help frogs and toads detect and respond to looming threats are intertwined with mechanisms that govern sexual competition. We find that this is likely the case, as visual activation of cognitive systems for predator detection trigger the output of behavior that typically mediates sexual competition, as well as hints of antipredator behavior (freezing and avoidance). When we visually activate these same cognitive systems for predator detection in anuran species that do not foot flag, we find no evidence of aggression-rather, these individuals simply produce canonical antipredator reactions. Altogether, these findings suggest that the perceptual systems for threat detection in foot flagging S. parvus are likely intertwined with the cognitive systems that underlie sexual competition. These results illuminate the way perceptual systems might drive signal innovations, potentially giving rise to bizarre displays that are otherwise difficult to explain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
