Assessing Comprehension and Competence in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) on the Concept: Do Something Different

Author

Charlotte M. Mulligan, CUNY Hunter CollegeFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-2-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Diana Reiss

Second Advisor

Marcelo Magnasco

Academic Program Adviser

Diana Reiss

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted using a training paradigm based on the research of Pryor et al. (1969) wherein the participants are trained on the abstract concept: do something different. This paradigm challenges working memory and requires the participants to respond with a behavior, either previously trained or novel, which has not yet been offered within the session. The work of Braslau-Schneck (1994) expanded this concept and demonstrated the ability of dolphins to successfully complete this task in synchronized pairs, though the method of accomplishing this task remained unclear. The present research was conducted as part of a broader study further examining how dolphins may synchronize their behavior in this task. The goals of the present study were to examine a subset of the data containing only solo sessions to determine the relative competence of six bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with previous training in both solo and tandem sessions, analyze strategies of success, and assess the capacity of working memory during this task. A total of 26 solo sessions were analyzed. The total number of correct responses was quantified for each dolphin, and various performance variables were assessed to determine behavioral patterns. Ultimately, there was a difference in overall competence. The dolphin ranked highest responded correctly across 91% of trials, compared to 59.5% by the dolphin ranked lowest. The highest performing dolphin also demonstrated a working memory capacity similar to that of a human, with a total of eight items held. These findings can be applied to the tandem sessions examined by the broader study and support the exploration of successful coordination during this task.

Recommended Citation

Mulligan, Charlotte M., "Assessing Comprehension and Competence in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) on the Concept: Do Something Different" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/1236