Cognitive style: Problem solving by rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) reared with living or inanimate substitute mothers

Cognitive style, reflected in the generation of novel solutions and the use of identifiable response strategies in problem-solving situations, was con trasted in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) reared individually with either canine companions or inanimate surrogate mothers. Four experiments were con ducted over a 5-year period, examining problem solving in relatively unstru ctured as well as more formal situations. Results indicated that whereas th e 2 rearing groups did not differ on most measures of performance, consiste nt response strategies were identified for the dog-raised monkeys. The resu lts were compared with previously published data from the same monkeys demo nstrating rearing group differences in abilities to engage in complex socia l interaction. The animate nature of the early rearing environment may faci litate the development of a cognitive style that influences problem-serving abilities in both the social and nonsocial realms.