Shape discrimination and transfer in the California sea lion

Abstract

Two sea lions (Zalophus californianus) were trained under water to discriminate stimulus figures differing in shape. Each of 12 problems was immediately followed by a transfer test in which either positive, negative or both shapes underwent changes in orientation of 45°, 90° or 180°. An efficient learning set was formed by one of the animals and both animals evidenced considerable or perfect transfer on most of the problems. © 1966, Psychonomic Press. All rights reserved.