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Monkey see, monkey do: Learning relations through concrete examples

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 May 2008

Marc T. Tomlinson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0187. marctomlinson@mail.utexas.eduhttp://love.psy.utexas.edu/~mtomlinsonbrad_love@mail.utexas.eduhttp://love.psy.utexas.edu/~love
Bradley C. Love
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0187. marctomlinson@mail.utexas.eduhttp://love.psy.utexas.edu/~mtomlinsonbrad_love@mail.utexas.eduhttp://love.psy.utexas.edu/~love

Abstract

Penn et al. argue that the complexity of relational learning is beyond animals. We discuss a model that demonstrates relational learning need not involve complex processes. Novel stimuli are compared to previous experiences stored in memory. As learning shifts attention from featural to relational cues, the comparison process becomes more analogical in nature, successfully accounting for performance across species and development.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright ©Cambridge University Press 2008

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