PS261 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Morris Water Navigation Task, Spatial Memory, Procedural Memory
Document Summary
What is comparative cognition: thinking is regarded as voluntary, deliberate and conscious reflection on some topic. In regards to comparative cognition, can lead to actions that cannot be explained on basis of external stimuli an individual experiences at the time: comparative ethology. Claim animals are capable of conscious thought and intentionality. Should encompass full range of issues included in considerations of human cognition. Nonhuman animals capable of consciousness and intentionality based on the complexity, flexibility and cleverness of various examples of animal behaviour: conscious intent is likely source of such clever/flexible behaviour. If conscious intent can"t explain human behaviour, why can it explain nonanimal behaviour: comparative cognition. Objective evidence cannot explain existence or non-existence of consciousness, for it is something that cannot be perceived objectively. Refers to theoretical constructs and models used to explain aspects of behaviour that cannot be readily characterized in terms of simple s-r or reflex mechanisms.
