Does captivity alter problem-solving behavior in Goffin's cockatoos?

Learn Behav. 2021 Mar;49(1):1-2. doi: 10.3758/s13420-020-00458-x. Epub 2021 Feb 24.

Abstract

Researchers often argue for the existence of "captivity bias": a higher success rate that may be observed for nonhumans tested in captivity compared to those tested in nature, purportedly because the former have certain advantages that the latter lack. Rössler et al. (Scientific Reports 10, 8681, 2020) find that, at least for Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana), differences exist in motivation, not in problem-solving ability.

Keywords: Captivity bias; Goffin’s cockatoo; Innovation; Parrot cognition; Parrot motivation.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cockatoos*
  • Laboratories
  • Motivation
  • Parrots*
  • Problem Solving