Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer because it presents the conclusion that most logically follows from the text’s discussion of the study of capuchin monkeys’ cognitive abilities. The text explains that the study failed to distinguish between outcomes for the tasks performed by the capuchin monkeys, such that simpler tasks requiring less dexterity, or skill, were judged by the same criteria as tasks that demanded more dexterity. Because the study didn’t account for this discrepancy, the researchers might have assumed that observed differences in performance were due to the abilities of the monkeys rather than the complexity of the tasks. In other words, the results may suggest cognitive differences among the monkeys even though such differences may not really exist.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because the text focuses on the fact that the tasks assigned to the capuchin monkeys in the study varied in difficulty and that the variety wasn’t taken into consideration. The text doesn’t suggest that the capuchin monkeys couldn’t perform certain tasks, just that some tasks were more difficult to do.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that the study’s results are indicative of the abilities of capuchin monkeys but not of other monkey species; in fact, the text suggests that the results may not even be an accurate reflection of capuchin monkeys’ abilities.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t indicate that the researchers compared results for artificial tasks with those for tasks encountered in the wild, although the tasks described in the text—sliding a panel and putting a straw in a bottle—are presumably artificial.
Student discussion
marcosat 0 likes
Easy questionnn. They were testing cognitive abilities in monkeys. However, they failed to carefully prepare for the physical demand of the task variable. Thus, we cannot draw any conclusive differences between the cognitive abilities of the mentioned monkeys. Alright, Ill tell you an example, just because you stuck to the end of this comment. A monkey of IQ 1000 was given a Shape Sorter toy, but the blocks weigh 100kg each; oh no! the monkey is very stupid as it cannot fulfill its task!. Conversely, a 40IQ monkey was given the same toy, but the blocks weight 100grams. If this monkey sueccessfully does the task, then we are assuming that this monkey is smarter than the former one. See how we cannot draw any conclusions?