scholarly journals Waterbird solves the string-pull test

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessika Lamarre ◽  
David R. Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Food Reward ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Behavioural Flexibility ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Pull Test ◽  
Single String ◽  
String Pulling ◽  
Innovation Rate

String-pulling is among the most widespread cognitive tasks used to test problem-solving skills in mammals and birds. The task requires animals to comprehend that pulling on a non-valuable string moves an otherwise inaccessible food reward to within their reach. Although at least 90 avian species have been administered the string-pull test, all but five of them were perching birds (passeriformes) or parrots (psittaciformes). Waterbirds (Aequorlitornithes) are poorly represented in the cognitive literature, yet are known to engage in complex foraging behaviours. In this study, we tested whether free-living ring-billed gulls ( Larus delawarensis ), a species known for their behavioural flexibility and foraging innovativeness, could solve a horizontal string-pull test. Here, we show that 25% (26/104) of the ring-billed gulls that attempted to solve the test at least once over a maximum of three trials were successful, and that 21% of them (22/104) succeeded during their first attempt. Ring-billed gulls are thus the first waterbird known to solve a horizontal single-string-rewarded string-pull test. Since innovation rate and problem-solving are associated with species' ability to endure environmental alterations, we suggest that testing the problem-solving skills of other species facing environmental challenges will inform us of their vulnerability in a rapidly changing world.

Problem-solving performance in wild Steller’s jays using a string-pulling task

Behaviour ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Derek P. Harvey ◽  
Jeffrey M. Black
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Food Reward ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Species Problem ◽  
String Pulling ◽  
Free Ranging

Abstract Animals that exploit resources from human-modified environments may encounter unique problems when searching for food. Pulling a string tied to a food reward (string-pulling task) is one of the most widespread methods of testing a species’ problem-solving performance in non-human animals. Performance in problem-solving tasks may be influenced by an individual’s characteristics and social interactions, especially in its natural habitat. We examined problem solving by free-ranging Steller’s jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) when extracting food from a string-pulling task presented in their natural habitat. During the study, seven of 50 jays successfully solved the task on their first to eighteenth experimental opportunity; solvers differed from nonsolvers by showing higher levels of persistence by pulling the string in more trials. Of the successful jays, five birds solved without observing others, while two birds were present during successful trials and subsequently completed the task. All seven jays demonstrated improvement in the task by using less string pulls over additional successful trials. Nineteen other jays in the population interacted with the apparatus and pulled the string, but not enough to acquire the food. These 19 jays were significantly bolder (shorter latencies to approach), more explorative (contacted more parts of the apparatus), and had observed solvers more than the 24 individuals that did not pull the string. These results indicate a broad spectrum of individual differences in propensity for solving novel tasks in our population of Steller’s jays.

Problem solving capabilities of peach-fronted conures (Eupsittula aurea) studied with the string-pulling test

Behaviour ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (5-8) ◽  
pp. 815-846
Author(s):  
Sara Torres Ortiz ◽  
Alyssa Maxwell ◽  
Anastasia Krasheninnikova ◽  
Magnus Wahlberg ◽  
Ole Næsbye Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Food Reward ◽  
String Pulling ◽  
Goal Directedness

Abstract The problem-solving capabilities of four small parrots (peach-fronted conures, Eupsittula aurea) were investigated using string-pulling tests. In seven different tasks, one string was baited following a randomized order. The parrots could retrieve the food reward after a wrong choice as the choice was not forced. Additionally, we applied a non-intuitive pulley task with the strings arranged in front of, instead of below the birds. All four parrots performed very well in the multiple, slanted, and broken string tasks, but all failed in the crossed-string task. Only two parrots solved the single pulley task. All four parrots performed successfully in the multiple pulley task but all failed in the broken pulley condition. Our results suggest that peach-fronted conures solve string-pulling tasks without relying on simple proximity based rules, but that they have evolved cognitive abilities enabling goal-directedness, the understanding of functionality, and a concept of connectedness between two objects.

Assessing Collaborative Behavior in Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Krkovic ◽  
Sascha Wüstenberg ◽  
Samuel Greiff
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Collaborative Problem Solving ◽  
Seventh Graders ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Personality Tests ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Knowledge Application ◽  
Computer Agent ◽  
Collaborative Behavior ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

Abstract. Skilful collaborative problem-solving is becoming increasingly important in various life areas. However, researchers are still seeking ways to assess and foster this skill in individuals. In this study, we developed a computer-assisted assessment for collaborative behavior (COLBAS) following the experiment-based assessment of behavior approach (objective personality tests; Cattell, 1958 ). The instrument captures participants’ collaborative behavior in problem-solving tasks using the MicroDYN approach while participants work collaboratively with a computer-agent. COLBAS can thereby assess problem-solving and collaborative behavior expressed through communication acts. To investigate its validity, we administered COLBAS to 483 German seventh graders along with MicroDYN as a measure of individual problem-solving skills and questions regarding the motivation to collaborate. A latent confirmatory factor analysis suggested a five-dimensional construct with two problem-solving dimensions (knowledge acquisition and knowledge application) and three collaboration dimensions (questioning, asserting, and requesting). The results showed that extending MicroDYN to include collaborative aspects did not considerably change the measurement of problem-solving. Finally, students who were more motivated to collaborate interacted more with the computer-agent but also obtained worse problem-solving results.

Dimensions of marital conflict and children's social problem-solving skills.

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherryl H. Goodman ◽  
Bill Barfoot ◽  
Alice A. Frye ◽  
Andrea M. Belli
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Marital Conflict ◽  
Social Problem ◽  
Social Problem Solving ◽  
Problem Solving Skills

Problem Solving Skills Training for Return to Work

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
William S. Shaw ◽  
Michael Feuerstein ◽  
Virginia I. Miller ◽  
Patricia M. Wood
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Problem Solving Skills

Problem based learning (PBL) in Organic Chemistry

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-69
Author(s):  
Amina Alobaidi
Keyword(s):  
Organic Chemistry ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Student Centered Learning ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Educational Methods ◽  
Online Communications

Background: PBL appears to answer many concerns regarding educational methods, encourages students to look for new solutions to relevant problems using available knowledge and resources. The process expands students' critical thinking and problem solving skills while enhancing their creative capabilities Objective: To develop a PBL modules for teaching of organic chemistry. Methods: This module was developed for implementation in the curriculum of Chemistry Departments in Colleges of Sciences and Education. This is an innovations to be developed for increasing the wide-ranging abilities of students. A series of strategies which are involved in PBL, concept mapping and online communications, are suggested and discussed in terms of encouraging student-centered learning.  

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