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Intentionality as measured in the persistence and elaboration of communication by chimpanzees (Pan troglodyes).

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:16 authored by David LeavensDavid Leavens, J. L. Russell, W. D. Hopkins
In human infancy, 2 criteria for intentional communication are (a) persistence in and (b) elaboration of communication when initial attempts to communicate fail. Twenty-nine chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were presented with both desirable (a banana) and undesirable food (commercial primate chow). Three conditions were administered: (a) the banana was delivered (successful communication), (b) half of the banana was delivered (partially successful communication), and (c) the chow was delivered (failed communication). The chimpanzees exhibited persistence in and elaboration of their communication in every condition except when the banana was delivered. Thus, their communication was about a specific item, demonstrating that both intentionality and nonverbal reference are capacities shared by humans with our nearest living relatives, the great apes.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Child Development

ISSN

0009-3920

Issue

1

Volume

76

Page range

291-306

Pages

16.0

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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