Self-recognition in primates: further reflections create a hall of mirrors
1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 50; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0003-3472(95)80009-3
ISSN1095-8282
Autores Tópico(s)Face Recognition and Perception
ResumoGallup et al.'s (1995, Anim. Behav., 50, 1525–1532) defense of the view that Gallup's mark test has provided evidence of self-recognition in apes is countered point by point. The plasusibility of the defence is criticized because of poorly designed experiments, unreliable experimental effects, illegitimate cross-experimental comparisons, false inferences and anecdotal observations. A recent attempt to fortify the case using developmental data (Povinelli et al. 1993, J. comp. Psychol., 107, 347–372) was unsuccessful because it failed to find a reliable relationship between age and mark test performance. Consequently, there is still no convincing evidence of self-recognition or mirror-guided body inspection in animals. An alternative research strategy is recommended in which the self-recognition hypothesis is tested directly through complete, carefully designed experiments.
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