CONDITIONING OF A VOCAL RESPONSE IN A CHIMPANZEE THROUGH SOCIAL REINFORCEMENT

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Abstract
The theoretical proposal that vocal responses of chimpanzees [Ateles] may be conditioned by social reinforcers, including play, in natural situations is strengthened by the demonstration in this study that: vocalizations can be conditioned instrumental^ and used discriminatlvely; and vocalization is sensitive to the rewarding properties of play, a frequent activity in a chimpanzee''s natural social environment. It remains to be seen to what degree vocalizations may actually serve as a form of communication and social control in the chimpanzee''s normal social interaction. The significance of vocalizations as compared to other forms of communication, e.g. gestures, assault (Yerkes [1943]), and drumming (Nissen [1931]) must also be investigated.

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