Exam 1 will be returned today/Blog 2 assignment

Exam 1 will be returned today.

There is a new blog assignment:

I heard a story about various African Grey parrots that were taught to intelligibly use very simple English words. The sophistication of that use is low, but the parrots are said to not only be able to say the names of things but to create very simple (two word) sentences.

One project has a parrot named Alex. The other, a parrot named N'kisi.

In your opinion, rate the initial credibility (10/10) of the claim. Find the two projects (they are run by entirely different groups). Link to them and read what their claims are. Rate the credibility of their respectively methods and claims.

If there are any things about the projects that strike you as odd, be sure to mention them.

If there are any odd things about the nature of the reporting about these projects, be sure to mention them as well.

Most importantly, be sure to dig deep.

due Monday, 23 October 2006