The media friendly science journal ‘Current Biology’ reveals fascinating ‘cognitive parallels’ between man and his best friend the dog.
Deep Learning ‘Wonks’ currently studying the ‘Three Component Model’ might be interested to hear about parallels with our furry friends. You see dogs, like humans, observe and interpret external activity before learning to imitate a new action.
In a study of 54 dogs charged with opening a can by pulling a lever, the natural inclination was to use their mouths. One dog, however, was taught to use its paw. The others followed his example (Trigger) but only when they interpreted it as being a deliberate choice (Exploration). For example, when a ball was placed in their mouths they believed that they had no option but to use their paws (Integration).
Like dogs the human brain is wired ‘asymmetrically’ that is the left side of the body is controlled by the right side of the brain and vice versa. Birds, by contrast, use their right eyes to search for food while watching for predators with the left. Does this leave them cross-eyed when trying to catch hares?
This asymmetric wiring of the brain has always fascinated me. Haven't left handed people better aptitude for certain subjects akin to art and design because the right side of the brain possesses more creativity? Strange how previous educational institutions would want to beat the creativity out of their students?!
ReplyDeleteGood point David,
ReplyDeleteTraditionally left handed people have been descriminated against allover the world. In medieval times they were feared as witches and wizards and even the education system in the last century tried to make them right handers.
Left handed people are often good at maths, chess and tennis. Most of the world's best tennis players are left handers.So there you are. If you are left-handed I guess we have got to hand it to you ;-)