IM-10: Imitation of box-opening method

This clip begins with a demonstration of how to open a box by using a stick to stretch a string. (The string runs between the two short posts at the far side of the apparatus.)

After observing the demonstration, Viki successfully opens the box. Note that she does not precisely replicate the action carried out in the demonstration, where a firm downward bang on the string did the job. Instead Viki positions the stick under the string and levers upward.

The experiment illustrated in this clip is described in the paper Imitation in a home-raised chimpanzee by Keith and Cathy Hayes and is available in our library.

Copyright ©1952 by Keith Hayes, used with permission. All rights reserved.