Lloyd Morgan's canon is a fundamental principle in animal psychology that states that in interpreting animal behavior, action should be attributed to the simplest possible form of intelligence, rather than a more complex form. This concept was proposed by the British psychologist C. Lloyd Morgan at the end of the 19th century and has been widely used in psychological research since then.
Origin and foundations from Lloyd Morgan's canon
Charles Lloyd Morgan, an English psychologist and ethologist, introduced his canon into the field of comparative psychology with the aim of avoiding the attribution of complex mental processes to animals when a simpler explanation It'd be enough. Morgan emphasized the importance of cautious observation and prudent interpretation of animal behavior, avoiding the temptation of attributing intentions or advanced mental processes to animals without sufficient evidence.
The canon states that "In "In no case should we interpret an act as the result of a higher mental process if a simpler explanation can be given." This implies that when we observe animal behavior, we must first consider more basic explanations, such as genetic inheritance, learning by association, or natural selection, before turning to more complex explanations such as theory of mind or consciousness.
Implications of the canon in psychological research
Lloyd Morgan's canon has had a significant impact on the way psychological research is designed and interpreted, especially in the field of animal psychology and comparative psychology. Some of the most notable implications of this canon are:
1. Avoiding anthropomorphization
One of the main contributions of Lloyd Morgan's canon is the warning against anthropomorphization, that is, attributing human characteristics to animals without sufficient evidence. By applying this principle, researchers are forced to consider simpler explanations based on direct observation instead of resorting to anthropomorphic interpretations that can bias research results.
2. Encourage objective observation
Lloyd Morgan's canon promotes careful and objective observation of animal behavior, avoiding the influence of biases or prejudices in the interpretation of the results. By focusing on simple and direct explanations, researchers can gain a more accurate and reliable understanding of animal behavior and its possible causes.
3. Establish a rigorous methodological standard
By following Lloyd Morgan's canon, researchers are forced to establish a rigorous methodological standard in their studies, including clearly defining variables, using valid observation methods, and reliable, and the application of appropriate statistical analysis. This contributes to the quality and validity of research in comparative psychology.
Application of Lloyd Morgan's canon today
Although Lloyd Morgan's canon was originally formulated in the context of comparative psychology, its basic principles remain relevant in contemporary psychological research. This canon applies not only to the study of animal behavior, but also to the understanding of human behavior in fields such as developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology.
In current research, the canon Lloyd Morgan is used in various ways to guide the interpretation of data and avoid hasty or unfounded conclusions. Some of the ways this canon is used today include:
1. In the study of theory of mind
In research on theory of mind, which refers to the ability to understand the thoughts and beliefs of others, Lloyd Morgan's canon is used to avoid attributing complex mental processes to individuals without convincing evidence. In applying this canon, researchers look for simpler and more direct explanations for observed behavior, before resorting to interpretations that imply advanced cognitive abilities.
2. In the psychology of learning
In the field of learning psychology, Lloyd Morgan's canon is used to distinguish between different forms of knowledge and skill acquisition. By considering simple explanations such as classical conditioning or operant conditioning, researchers can identify underlying learning processes without resorting to overly complex interpretations that are not supported by strong empirical evidence.
3. In evolutionary psychology research
In the field of evolutionary psychology, Lloyd Morgan's canon is applied to understand the adaptation of certain traits or behaviors throughout evolution. By considering explanations based on natural selection and genetic inheritance, researchers can more objectively evaluate the influence of evolutionary factors on human and animal behavior, avoiding simplistic or anthropomorphic attributions.
Conclusions
Lloyd Morgan's canon remains a valuable tool in current psychological research, as it promotes a cautious and objective approach to the interpretation of animal and human behavior. By emphasizing the importance of considering simple, direct explanations before resorting to more complex inferences, this canon contributes to the quality and reliability of studies in comparative psychology and other related fields.
In summary, the canon by Lloyd Morgan serves as a fundamental reminder of the need to maintain a scientific and critical approach in psychological research, avoiding the attribution of advanced mental processes to animals or humans without a solid base of empirical evidence. By following the principles of this canon, researchers can continue to advance the understanding of behavior and the mind, based on objective observations and rigorous analysis.