Harvard Psychological Studies, Volume 2

by Unknown

FIG. 7. Position, Color, and Form Association. If line S represent tests of a given kind, P, C, and F would represent, respectively, the number of correct choices of position, color, and form. The rate of learning in each case is shown by the corresponding curves to the right, where vertical divisions each indicate 20%, and horizontal divisions the successive series in which the tests were given.

V. SUMMARY

1. Respiration in pigeons is sensitive to various stimuli, and since its alterations of rate, amplitude, etc., can be easily recorded pneumo-graphically without frightening the animals, it may well serve as a process through which to study their mental life.

2. By repetition meaningless stimuli, for example, pistol-shots, quickly lose their disturbing influence; whereas the breathing remains sensitive to those of a significant character, such as the noises made by other birds.

3. Reaction to light of moderate intensity consists principally in an immediate quickening, the amount varying with the color; since a direct correspondence was found between color-preference and breathing-rate, it would seem that here agreeable feeling involves increased breathing activity.

4. Visual, acoustical, probably tactual, and certainly organic data, are the principal sensory factors of the associations of pigeons.

5. The animals readily form useful associations by a method of "trial and error," or the selection of successful movements which were at first accidental.

6. Apparently a pigeon does not learn by merely seeing a new act performed by another pigeon; yet there are instances of simple ("instinctive") imitation, and "trial and error" learning is not wholly independent of social conditions, since it proceeds much more satisfactorily if the animal is trained at least within hearing distance of other pigeons.

7. When a habit is being formed, the "period" required for the first test is usually very long, but learning proceeds quite rapidly during the next few trials; later it is more gradual, but it continues till the act becomes thoroughly familiar.