The Emergence of Social Cognition in Three Young Chimpanzees

This Monograph reports a series of ten studies on the social-cognitive abilities of three young chimpanzees, ages to four years. Compares outcomes to similar studies conducted on human infacts for a comparative understanding. Looks at chimpanzees' abilities to understand and imitate goal-directed actions. Results suggest that the ontogeny of human social cognition comprises two relatively distinct trajectories: one for understanding intentional action and perception, common to all apes, and another for sharing psychological states with others in collaborative acts involving joint intentions and attentions, unique to the human species.

Abstract vii. I. Introduction 1. II. The Emergence of Social Cognition: A Longitudinal Study 29. III. Understanding Intentional Action 46. IV. Understanding Perception and Attention 73. V. Joint Intentions and Attention 92. VI. General Discussion 107. References 123. Acknowledgements 132. Commentary- Social Engagement and Understanding in Chimpanzees and Humans. R. Peter Hobson 133. Contributors 153. Statement of Editorial Policy 154