Francine Patterson
Early Life and Education
Francine "Penny" Patterson was born on February 13, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. She developed an interest in animal behavior at a young age, which led her to pursue a career in the field of psychology. Patterson earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1970. She then went on to earn her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Stanford in 1979, where she focused on the linguistic capabilities of gorillas.
Project Koko
Patterson's most notable work is her extensive research with a lowland gorilla named Koko. In 1972, while still a graduate student at Stanford, Patterson began teaching Koko American Sign Language (ASL). This research project, known as "Project Koko," aimed to explore the linguistic capabilities of gorillas and challenge the prevailing belief that non-human primates were incapable of learning complex forms of communication.
Patterson's work with Koko was groundbreaking in the field of primatology. She reported that Koko had learned over 1,000 signs in ASL and could understand approximately 2,000 words of spoken English. Patterson's findings suggested that gorillas were capable of understanding complex concepts, expressing emotions, and forming meaningful relationships with humans.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite the popularity and widespread media coverage of Project Koko, Patterson's research has been met with criticism from some members of the scientific community. Critics argue that Patterson's claims about Koko's linguistic abilities are exaggerated and lack rigorous scientific evidence. Some have also raised ethical concerns about the treatment of Koko and the potential for anthropomorphism in Patterson's interpretation of Koko's behavior.
Legacy and Impact
Despite the controversy surrounding her work, Patterson's research has had a significant impact on the fields of primatology and psychology. Her work with Koko has challenged traditional views about the cognitive abilities of non-human primates and has inspired further research into animal communication and cognition.
Patterson also co-founded The Gorilla Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas. Through her work with the foundation, Patterson has raised awareness about the threats facing gorillas in the wild and has advocated for their protection.