Mary Allen
Introduction
Francine Patterson was an American animal psychologist who is best known for her work with Koko the gorilla. She spent over four decades studying the behavior and communication abilities of Koko, who was able to learn and use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with Patterson and other humans. Patterson’s work with Koko has had a significant impact on the field of animal psychology and has challenged traditional notions about the intelligence and emotional capacity of non-human animals.
Early Life and Education
Francine Patterson was born in 1947 in California and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. She developed an early interest in animals and nature, and this led her to pursue a degree in biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Patterson went on to earn a Ph.D. in animal behavior from Stanford University, where she studied under the renowned animal behaviorist, Robert Sapolsky.
Meeting Koko the Gorilla
In 1971, Patterson was hired by psychologist Roger Fouts to work with Koko, a young gorilla who had been born in the San Francisco Zoo and was being raised by Fouts and his colleagues. Patterson was immediately struck by Koko’s intelligence and curiosity, and she began to develop a close bond with the young gorilla. Over time, Patterson became Koko’s primary caregiver and teacher, spending hours each day with her and teaching her ASL.
Teaching Koko American Sign Language
Patterson’s work with Koko involved using ASL to communicate with the gorilla and teach her new words and concepts. Patterson used a combination of spoken English and ASL to communicate with Koko, and she gradually built up a vocabulary of hundreds of signs. Koko was able to use ASL to express her thoughts and feelings, and she was even able to ask questions and make requests.
Observations and Discoveries
Over the years, Patterson made a number of important observations and discoveries about Koko’s behavior and communication abilities. She found that Koko was able to understand and use abstract concepts, such as “tomorrow” and “goodnight.” Patterson also observed that Koko was capable of empathy and had a strong emotional connection with her caregivers.
Publications and Awards
Patterson’s work with Koko has been widely recognized and praised. She has published numerous papers and articles about her research, and she has received many awards and honors for her contributions to animal psychology. In 2012, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Primatological Society.
Criticisms and Controversies
Patterson’s work with Koko has also been the subject of some criticism and controversy. Some scientists have questioned the validity of her research, arguing that Koko’s ability to use ASL was overstated or that her behavior was too heavily influenced by her interactions with humans. Others have criticized the ethical implications of keeping a gorilla in captivity for so long.
Legacy and Impact
Despite these criticisms, Patterson’s work with Koko has had a significant impact on the field of animal psychology. Her research has challenged traditional notions about the intelligence and emotional capacity of non-human animals and has inspired many other scientists to study animal communication and behavior. Her work has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and animal welfare.
Other Contributions to Animal Psychology
In addition to her work with Koko, Patterson made many other important contributions to the field of animal psychology. She conducted research on the behavior and communication of other primates, such as orangutans, and she developed new methods for studying animal behavior in the wild. She also worked to promote the use of positive reinforcement training techniques for animals in captivity.
Personal Life and Death
Patterson passed away in June 2018 at the age of 69. She is survived by her husband and collaborator, Dr. Ronald Cohn, and their two children. She will be remembered as a pioneering scientist and a compassionate advocate for animal rights.
Conclusion
Francine Patterson’s work with Koko the gorilla has had a profound impact on the field of animal psychology. Her research has challenged traditional notions about the intelligence and emotional capacity of non-human animals and has inspired many other scientists to study animal communication and behavior. Despite some controversies and criticisms, Patterson’s legacy will continue to influence and shape our understanding of the animal kingdom for years to come.
References and Further Reading
- Patterson, F. G., & Linden, E. (1981). The education of Koko. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
- Patterson, F. G. (2001). The case for the personhood of gorillas. In S. Bekoff, C. Allen, & G. M. Burghardt (Eds.), The cognitive animal: Empirical and theoretical perspectives on animal cognition (pp. 43-52). MIT Press.
- Fouts, R. S., & Patterson, F. G. (2002). Learning from gorillas: A conversation with Francine Patterson. In E. W. Menzel (Ed.), Learning from animals: Examining the nature of human uniqueness (pp. 21-38). American Psychological Association.