The demonstration in the domestic guinea pig of a process resembling classical imprinting

摘要: Abstract The present study, consisting of 6 inter-related experiments with ginea pigs, investigated the hypothesis that an imprinting-like process (on which normal mammalian social behaviours may depend) exists in mammals. In general it showed guinea pig, if isolated from contact, can be imprinted on artificial object (a moving octagonal wood block), and resulting behaviour has definite characteristics. findings were as follows: Experiment 1 infant subjects are attracted to will respond socially object, not allowed interaction; is, pigs at birth imprinting but control do not. 2 after 5 days living behave similarly those birth, when both exposed a few (1 4) following beginning isolation. 3 reared by their mother total darkness for five equally strongly indicates is inherently attractive simply something visually resembles mother. 4 7 9 continue 40 tested until sixth week first experience it, indicating either wide generalization early mother, or possibility this advanced age. given two 5-minute sessions infancy significantly more weeks than only one such session infancy, finding suggests attachment gradually learned phenomenon rather “one-shot” process. Thus responses model pig studied nidifugous birds many ways. Attachment probably possible over much extended period Mallard, example.