Evolution of Theory of Mind
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Psychology
Abstract
In a series of recent experiments we found evidence that Eurasian jays, a species of corvid, can ascribe desires to their conspecifics. During the breeding season, male jays share food with their female partner by taking into account what food the female currently desires most. These results provide the first evidence to suggest that a non-human animal might be capable of desire-state attribution, a critical component of Theory of Mind. Currently, we do not know whether this ability is limited to Eurasian jays or whether it is shared with other corvid species or also species outside of the corvid family. To test this, it is important to adapt our current paradigm to suit species that do not share food with each other or do not share food such that it can be easily be seen what food is shared. One convenient way to address this issue would be to use a Violation of Expectation looking time paradigm. After an initial validation of this paradigm on human adults (see rotation project proposal), the aim of the PhD project would be to test whether other corvid species show the same sensitivity to conspecifics' desires that has been found in Eurasian jays.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Nicola Clayton (Primary Supervisor) | |
Rachel Crosby (Student) |
Publications
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/M011194/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
1643601 | Studentship | BB/M011194/1 | 30/09/2015 | 29/09/2019 | Rachel Crosby |
Description | Article on corvid cognition for BlueSci magazine |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Article on corvid cognition for BlueSci, Cambridge University Science Magazine. Aimed to increase awareness of bird intelligence. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.bluesci.co.uk/index.php/2018/02/11/can-birds-read-minds/ |
Description | Hands-on Event for Cambridge Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Hands-on event at which children and adults could try out tool-use tasks used in experiments with birds and learn about the cognitive abilities of corvids. Increased people's appreciation of the intelligence of birds and led to lots of interesting discussions about animal cognition. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/ |