Which of the following best describes the findings of cognitive psychology research regarding language use in animals such as chimpanzees?

• A. Chimpanzees are unable to learn any form of symbolic communication or language-like behavior.
• B. Chimpanzees can only mimic human speech sounds but cannot understand or use symbols meaningfully.
• C. Chimpanzees can learn to use symbolic communication systems, demonstrating some aspects of language such as understanding symbols and basic grammar.
• D. Chimpanzees can fully master human language, including complex grammar and abstract concepts.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core question, which asks about the findings of cognitive psychology research on language use in animals, specifically chimpanzees.
2. Step 2: Recall that cognitive psychology studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and language, including how non-human animals may use or understand language-like systems.
3. Step 3: Recognize that research has shown chimpanzees can learn symbolic communication systems, such as sign language or lexigrams, which involve using symbols to represent objects or concepts.
4. Step 4: Note that while chimpanzees demonstrate understanding of symbols and can use basic grammar-like structures, they do not fully master human language with its complex grammar and abstract concepts.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is that chimpanzees can learn to use symbolic communication systems, showing some aspects of language use, but not full human language mastery.