research :: match to sample
Matching-to-Sample (MTS) is a robust testing paradigm that requires subjects to detect visual similarities and differences between images. Our lab uses two forms of MTS testing with the chimpanzees, one that involves the use of a computerized joystick testing system, and the other on a touchscreen. The monkeys only perform the touchscreen version of the task.
Click here to see Patrick perform the touchscreen version
Click here to see Patrick perform the joystick version
MTS is very versatile because the way to solve the task is always the same: match the sample, but the way in which the correct pair of images match each other can be quite complicated. Unlike in the video examples above, Figure 1 shows a trial in which the correct pair shows different photographs of the same individual. The subjects must recognize something about the identity of the individuals in each photograph, rather than simply select the identical photograph. In Figure 2, the task shows several examples of facial expressions, and each of the three individuals presented is different. The basis for matching here is recognizing the pair of expressions that is similar.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Both the chimpanzees and monkeys perform MTS tasks very well. They are relatively fast to learn and always produce well-motivated, consistent performance. Visit the other research pages for more examples of MTS tasks.