Critique and comment. A consideration of the neural basis of intelligent behavior: Comparative studies

Some concepts linking neural organization and cognitive behavior are examined. Hypotheses relating evolutionary development of the brain, as expressed by Von Bonin's index of cephalization, to capacity for intelligent behavior and relating Lashley's and Pribram's concepts of cortical organization in mammals to correlation between measures of cognitive capacity are discussed. Four tests, selected as measures of intelligent behavior, were given to a group of 8 rats, 10 rabbits and 8 cats. These three species demonstrate an increase in cephalic index from rat to rabbit to cat and performance on the tests ranked the three species in the expected order. Intercorrelation between the four tests for Ss within each species gave some support to a Pribram-like concept of neural organization.