Abstract
Even with advances in automated testing techniques, the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) can be a difficult species to test in the laboratory, given its social/behavioral tendencies and typical activity pattern. Laboratories that maintain social colonies of capuchin monkeys are able to separate and test individuals, but the process can be very effortful and time consuming, and the resulting data can be modest in quantity. The present article describes procedures and apparatuses that were used to train a colony of computer-naive capuchin monkeys to quickly and reliably isolate themselves from group members and interact with a computerized test system in order to produce a large volume of data. Several elements that were important in motivating the monkeys to participate are discussed.
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The capuchin monkeys and this program of research are supported by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Grant HD-38051 and the College of Arts and Sciences of Georgia State University. All applicable institutional rules and regulations regarding animal care and use have been followed in the care and testing of the monkeys. The experiments complied with all laws of the United States of America.
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Evans, T.A., Beran, M.J., Chan, B. et al. An efficient computerized testing method for the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella): Adaptation of the LRC-CTS to a socially housed nonhuman primate species. Behavior Research Methods 40, 590–596 (2008). https://doi.org/10.3758/BRM.40.2.590
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BRM.40.2.590