Interocular transfer of lateral mirror-image discriminations by cats: evidence of species differences

J Comp Physiol Psychol. 1975 Jan;88(1):368-72. doi: 10.1037/h0076193.

Abstract

Interocular transfer of mirror-image discriminations has been shown to be paradoxical in split-chiasm monkeys tested in a lighted Wisconsin General Test Apparatus (WGTA) with 3-dimensional forms, but veridical in split-chiasm cats tested in a darkened 2-choice discrimination box with transilluminated patterns. In the present study, 8 split-chiasm cats showed veridical interocular transfer of a mirror-image and a non-mirror-image discrimination in a WGTA or a 2-choice discrimination box. On the basis of the testing parameters used, it is argued that the discrepancy in the literature arises from a species difference (having a behavioral rather than a gross neurological basis), and not from differences in behavioral testing apparatus or mode of stimulus presentation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Conditioning, Classical
  • Learning
  • Ocular Physiological Phenomena*
  • Optic Chiasm / physiology
  • Species Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Transfer, Psychology
  • Visual Perception*