Absolute versus relative class conceptual behavior in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Abstract

A theoretical scheme was suggested which distinguished between absolute and relative class concepts and differentiated class from relational concepts. Four monkeys were trained to respond differentially to green and nongreen objects (absolute class) and four responded differentially to odd and nonodd objects (relative class). All monkeys met stringent criteria of performance on their respective tasks, the green-nongreen group in a median of 600 trials and the odd-nonodd group in a median of 1,600 trials (p = .014). Possible explanations for the performance differences and some implications of the theory for comparative, nonhuman conceptual research were discussed. © 1977 Psychonomic Society, Inc.