Abstract
Day-old domestic chicks approach the larger of two groups of identical objects, but in a 3 vs 4 comparison, their performance is random. Here we investigated whether adding individually distinctive features to each object would facilitate such discrimination. Chicks reared with 7 objects were presented with the operation 1 + 1 + 1 vs 1 + 1 + 1 + 1. When objects were all identical, chicks performed randomly, as expected (Experiment 1). In the remaining experiments, objects differed from one another due to additional features. Chicks succeeded when those features were differently oriented segments (Experiment 2) but failed when the features were arranged to depict individually different face-like displays (Experiment 3). Discrimination was restored if the face-like stimuli were presented upside-down, disrupting global processing (Experiment 4). Our results support the claim that numerical discrimination in 3 vs 4 comparison benefits from the presence of distinctive features that enhance object individuation due to individual processing. Interestingly, when the distinctive features are arranged into upright face-like displays, the process is susceptible to global over local interference due to configural processing. This study was aimed at assessing whether individual object processing affects numerical discrimination. We hypothesise that in humans similar strategies aimed at improving performance at the non-symbolic level may have positive effects on symbolic mathematical abilities.
Highlights
Day-old domestic chicks approach the larger of two groups of identical objects, but in a 3 vs 4 comparison, their performance is random
We hypothesised that the chicks’ performance in the 3 vs 4 discrimination would benefit from the presence of features allowing for object identification
In the absence of such features, the chicks failed the 3 vs 4 discrimination (Experiment 1), which is consistent with previous results[21]
Summary
Day-old domestic chicks approach the larger of two groups of identical objects, but in a 3 vs 4 comparison, their performance is random. Discrimination was restored if the face-like stimuli were presented upside-down, disrupting global processing (Experiment 4). Individuals’ daily interactions with the environment are determined by factors such as the way they perceive, categorise, identify, localise and track objects Often, they quantify objects and may enumerate them. Modern humans are experts in recognising faces at an individual level by processing the characteristics of the facial features and their configural properties. These comprise first-order relations (i.e. the triangular disposition of the inner elements—two eyes and a mouth) and Scientific Reports | (2020) 10:16408. The present study is aimed at assessing whether individual object processing affects numerical discrimination. We tested newly hatched domestic chicks, a model species that allows for full control of previous experiences, through the manipulation of post-hatching exposure to the experimental stimuli
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