How to solve novel problems: the role of associative learning in problem-solving performance in wild great tits Parus major.

ABSTRACT: Although problem-solving tasks are frequently used to assess innovative ability, the extent to which problem-solving performance reflects variation in cognitive skills has been rarely formally investigated. Using wild breeding great tits facing a new non-food motivated problem-solving task, we investigated the role of associative learning in finding the solution, compared to multiple other non-cognitive factors. We first examined the role of accuracy (the proportion of contacts made with the opening part of a string-pulling task), neophobia, exploration, activity, age, sex, body condition and participation time on the ability to solve the task. To highlight the effect of associative learning, we then compared accuracy between solvers and non-solvers, before and after the first cue to the s

SUBMITTER: Cauchard L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11014811 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature