A Review of the Model/Rival (M/R) Technique for Training Interspecies Communication and Its Use in Behavioral Research

Overview

Journal Animals (Basel)

Date 2021 Sep 28

PMID 34573445

Citations 1

Authors

Irene M Pepperberg

Affiliations

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Abstract

In this paper, I will review the Model/Rival (M/R) technique that has been used to establish interspecies communication with Grey parrots (). I will describe the original format developed by Todt, the relationship to other forms of observational learning outlined by other researchers, and the adaptations that I devised. I will describe how my undergraduate trainers and I isolated the various components that constitute the technique and explain how each is necessary, but how only the combination of components is sufficient for successful implementation-and how improper implementation can lead to failure. I will briefly summarize the results of proper implementation-including the importance of interspecies communication itself as a technique for studying animal cognition.

Citing Articles

Behavioural Methods to Study Cognitive Capacities of Animals.

Regolin L, Loconsole M Animals (Basel). 2023; 13(22).

PMID: 38003062 PMC: 10668706. DOI: 10.3390/ani13223445.

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