Mice Display Strategic Thinking and Hypothesis Testing in Experiments

Recent studies reveal that lab mice engage in complex cognitive behaviors, challenging previous assumptions about their capabilities.

Mice demonstrate strategic thinking by alternating responses in experiments, suggesting hypothesis testing capabilities.
Researchers observed mice making intentional 'errors' to explore and learn, indicating a higher cognitive process than previously understood.
The findings could reshape our understanding of animal cognition and have implications for studying the neural bases of strategizing.
Mice responded to unexpected outcomes by adjusting their behavior, showcasing an internal model of task expectations.
The strategic behavior in mice is comparable to hypothesis testing seen in nonverbal human infants.