animal cognition

the processes that are believed to be used by nonhuman animals in solving environmental and social problems but that cannot be observed directly. They include problem-solving abilities that appear not to depend on rote memory or trial-and-error learning, suggesting that some animals may be able to reason about potential solutions and therefore to solve problems with apparent spontaneity. See also animal intelligence; comparative cognition; social cognition; theory of mind.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

response topography

the physical characteristics of a response, including its duration, force, extent, and location. Also called topography of response.