Measurement of Visual Preferences in Cats

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Abstract
A technique is described for measuring visual preferences in cats. The method involves a self-presentation paradigm, but provides strict control of the visual field and orientation of contours in the field. Two procedures are presented: a single-choice design and a multiple-choice design, both of which use duration of self-produced exposure as the dependent measure. Although both procedures may serve as indices of preference order, the multiple-choice method is preferable for measuring preference strength. The application of the technique as a behavioural index of the effects of early environmental manipulation is suggested. Preliminary data from two normal cats indicate that, although homogeneous illumination is reinforcing, the presence of features, especially oriented contours, appears to increase the ‘interest’ value of the presentation.