Speaking of Psychology Some birds talk, but do they understand you? With Irene Pepperberg, PhD
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Nov 6, 2024 Irene Pepperberg, an adjunct research professor at Boston University, shares her groundbreaking research on gray parrots, particularly focusing on her work with Alex. She reveals how these birds can communicate using English words and showcases their surprising cognitive abilities, likening them to young children's intelligence. The discussion dives into their problem-solving skills, ability to understand mathematical concepts, and the evolving field of animal cognition. Pepperberg also touches on the personal journey that led her from chemistry to avian insights.
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Childhood Inspiration
- Irene Pepperberg's interest in birds began in childhood with a parakeet companion.
- Witnessing NOVA programs on animal communication during her chemistry PhD sparked her career shift.
Parrot Intelligence
- Parrots' intelligence is comparable to five or six-year-old children in certain cognitive tasks.
- They demonstrate abilities like liquid conservation and probability assessment, similar to children.
Choosing Alex
- Dr. Pepperberg selected Alex, a gray parrot, randomly from a group of eight birds.
- Gray parrots were chosen for their clear vocalizations and prior research on their numerical skills.