| Abstract: | We operationally define kin-recognition and discuss methodological and conceptual issues that arise in its study, citing examples from the literature that illustrate particular points. We define and examine three components of kin-recognition (expression, perception, and action), and discuss why some experimental designs fail to distinguish among the components. We also point out ways that experimental designs might be modified to unlink the components. We discuss three general issues central to assays of kin-recognition: the functional significance of assays, multiple- and single-behavior assays, and potential biases in assays. The potential biases we consider are nonblind behavioral assays and the pooling of dependent data. We also examine negative results and, in particular, those factors that can produce negative results when recognition ability is present. Finally, we discuss kin-recognition in natural contexts, emphasizing the potential dangers of uncritically extrapolating the results of laboratory studies to field contexts. |
