7th Annual Meeting of the International Multisensory Research Forum
    Home > Papers > Gillian Sebestyen Forrester
Gillian Sebestyen Forrester

Multisensory Signal Integration in Great Ape Communication: (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Single Paper Presentation

Gillian Sebestyen Forrester
University of Sussex

Neil Forrester
Birkbeck College, University of London

     Abstract ID Number: 39
     Full text: Not available
     Last modified: March 13, 2006
     Presentation date: 06/20/2006 8:30 AM in Hamilton Building, McNeil Theatre
     (View Schedule)

Abstract
Communication is a dynamic and cognitively distributed process that enlists all of our available senses. Like Humans, animals integrate sensory signals to enhance or change the significance of a single signal. However, to date, studies of animal communication have generally focused on a single sensory channel within a limited linear framework. This is partly because neither the technology nor the framework existed to undergo the task of capturing, coding and analyzing multisensory signals. This research introduces a new theoretical method for managing multimodal signals during primate communication. This work endeavours to objectively assess visual, auditory and tactile signals without preconceived notions of meaning, emotion or intention. This is achieved through a data capture and coding system that limits the subjectivity of the human observer. Furthermore, this technique acknowledges the distributed nature of communication by considering the attentional state and spatial proximities of all social participants, rather than a single individual, as well as the social context within which communication takes place. Finally, this model seeks to create a common language for scientists with which to identify significant patterns in signal frequency, sequence and interaction.

Research
Support Tool
  For this 
refereed conference abstract
Capture Cite
View Metadata
Printer Friendly
Context
Author Bio
Define Terms
Related Studies
Media Reports
Google Search
Action
Email Author
Email Others
Add to Portfolio



    Learn more
    about this
    publishing
    project...


Public Knowledge

 
Open Access Research
home | overview | program
papers | organization | schedule | links
  Top