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Motor imitation in an avian vocal mimic
Reference
S18746
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Professor Cecilia Heyes
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Professor John Martindale Pearce
Institution
Cardiff University
Department
Sch of Psychology
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
184,996
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/01/2004
End date
31/12/2007
Duration
48 months
Abstract
The psychological mechanisms mediating motor imitation in an avian vocal mimic, the budgerigar, will be investigated in a programme of theory-guided and carefully controlled behavioural experiments. Providing information about the evolutionary origins of motor imitation, and assessing the budgerigars potential as a model for neuroscientific research, the programme will establish whether avian motor imitation has four key features in common with primate/human imitation: 1) goal-directedness, 2) selectivity, 3) sequencing, and 4) novelty. It will also seek evidence of 5) sex differences in motor imitation paralleling male superiority in avian vocal mimicry.
Summary
unavailable
Committee
Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics
X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority
X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative
X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme
X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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