Reconsideration of Serial Visual Reversal Learning in Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from a Methodological Perspective.

摘要: Octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) are generally considered to possess extraordinary cognitive abilities including the ability successfully perform in a serial reversal learning task. During learning, an animal is presented with discrimination problem and, after reaching criterion, signs of stimuli reversed: former positive becomes negative stimulus and vice versa. If improves its performance over reversals, it ascribed advanced abilities. Reversal has been tested octopus number studies. However, experimental procedures adopted these studies involved pre-training on new reversal, strong reinforcement or might have enabled secondary cueing by experimenter. These could all affected outcome learning. Thus this study, visual was revisited octopus. We trained four common octopuses discriminate between 2-dimensional monitor simultaneous task reversed each time animals reached criterion ≥80% two consecutive daily sessions. The were using operant conditioning techniques reinforcer, rod that pushed up down feeding tube, which signaled correctness response preceded subsequent primary food. protocol did not involve reinforcement. One completed reversals showed progressive improvement, i.e. decreased errors more experienced. This developed generalized strategy. In contrast, another only one whereas learn reverse during first reversal. conclusion, some individuals can demonstrating behavioral flexibility even refined methodology.