Cross-modal matching in the monkey after discrete temporal lobe lesions

Abstract

ETTLINGER¹, reviewing the literature on cross-modal matching in primates, concluded that whereas man and chimpanzees seemed to be capable of such matching, the evidence concerning the monkey was ambiguous. Cowey and Weiskrantz², however, reported a method which resulted in a successful demonstration of a tactile–visual cross-modal match in normal rhesus monkeys. Their success seemed to result from the use of stimulus shapes made from powdered monkey diet, which the animal could eat. Such a training paradigm would be more natural—and therefore presumably easier—for the animal to master. In their experiment, monkeys were allowed to sample ten palatable and ten different unpalatable shapes (treated with quinine) in the dark; subsequently, the monkeys were given a choice between one palatable and one unpalatable shape, presented with the house light switched on. The monkeys chose the palatable shape significantly more often than the unpalatable, showing that a cross-modal match had occurred.