A study of the behavior of the pig Sus Scrofa by the multiple choice method.

Abstract

Studied the reactive tendencies and the degree of ability to dissociate the essential and constant relation of the right mechanism from its accidental and variable accompaniments, in 2 Chester white pigs. Yerkes' multiple choice method was used to present 4 problems which were in an increasing order of difficulty. The problems were given to discover the extent to which ideational and closely allied types of behavior existed in the pig. The results indicate that visual and kinesthetic factors determined the responses of pigs, but it was evident that they were not so dependent upon the particular situation, as are many mammals. The multiple choice method revealed a number of interesting reactive tendencies, their relations to one another, and the varied ways in which they were manifested in connection with situations which were difficult to meet. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)