Mirror test

Mirror test with a Baboon

Pica pica -Manchester -England -side-8

File:Mirror-Induced-Behavior-in-the-Magpie-(Pica-pica)-Evidence-of-Self-Recognition-pbio.0060202.sv008.ogv

Mirror baby

Mirror test

The mirror test, also known as the mirror self-recognition test (MSR), is a behavioral technique developed in 1970 by psychologist Gordon Gallup Jr. to assess self-awareness and the ability to recognize oneself in a mirror. The test is significant in the fields of psychology, animal cognition, and neuroscience.

Procedure

In the mirror test, a colored mark is placed on an animal in a region it cannot see without the use of a mirror. After the mark is made, the animal is allowed to see its reflection in a mirror. If the animal spontaneously directs grooming behavior towards the mark, it is taken as an indication that the animal perceives the reflected image as itself, rather than another animal. This behavior suggests a form of self-awareness.

Species that have passed the mirror test

Several species have been reported to pass the mirror test, indicating at least a basic level of self-recognition. These include some great apes like chimpanzees, orangutans, and possibly gorillas; marine mammals such as bottlenose dolphins; and some birds, notably the Eurasian magpie. More controversially, there have been claims about elephants and certain cephalopods passing the test, though these findings are subject to ongoing debate and interpretation.

Criticism and limitations

The mirror test has been criticized on several grounds. Critics argue that failure to pass the test does not necessarily indicate a lack of self-awareness, as some animals may not rely on visual cues or may be frightened by their reflections. Additionally, some species may pass the test without understanding it as a reflection of themselves, suggesting that the test may not be a definitive measure of self-awareness.

Implications

The implications of the mirror test are profound, suggesting that some animals possess a level of self-awareness previously thought to be exclusive to humans. This has implications for the study of consciousness, the treatment of animals, and understanding the evolution of cognition.

See also

• Animal consciousness
• Cognitive ethology
• Theory of mind

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