If a researcher is attempting to teach a pig to move discs to a designated location but is unable to because of the pigs rooting reflex (to push the disc into the dirt), has occurred.

Lack of cognitive ability has occurred.

Explanation:

Cognitive ability can be define as a general use or application of mental skills to carry out varying required task. Some of the cognitive capacities are; the ability to navigate through space, account for the passage of time, determine quantity, and remember events and locations. These abilities could be displayed by both the higher-class and lower-class animals, but to some varying degree.

Pigs have been found to have the ability to flexibly discriminate among conspecific due to their physiological and anatomical similarity with humans. The pig was not able to push the disc into the dirt because of lack of one or more of its cognitive abilities.

answer; i believe that the correct answer is (scientific approach)

the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.