Observing Baboons may help us better Understand the Process of Reading
In a recent New York Times article, the author Cindy Banhoo discussed a research study in France that proves that baboons can tell the difference between real words and nonsensical words. Jonathan Grainger, a psychologist at the French Center for National Research and at Aix-Marseille University has given free computer access to baboons. The touch screen displays four letter word sequences. If the baboon touches the screen on a real word it receives a treat. According to Grainger, “The baboon realizes which words are correct in order to receive a treat.”
