In a recent article posted on Science Daily, the University of Buffalo (U.B.) is looking at studies regarding animals and reflective minds. There has been much study and debate over this issue including the methodology of experimentation. The U.B. group is looking at the criteria and technique to alleviate the possible inferences obtained.
In 1995 Dr. David Smith studied Bottle-nosed Dolphins to determine their possible reasoning. The dolphins were put through a series of easy and difficult tasks. When the cycles of task were repeated the dolphin readily completed the easy task and hesitated before beginning the difficult ones.

The photo and caption above simply state the findings of further studies. Dr. Smith has completed these studies of old world macaques and has determined that animals share more of the same cognitive abilities as humans.
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University at Buffalo (2012, March 22). Do animals have reflective minds able to self-regulate perception, reasoning, memory?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 2, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2012/03/120322131504.htm