Strategic behavior in monkeys

Trends Cogn Sci. 2005 May;9(5):213-5. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2005.03.002.

Abstract

In a recent paper, Lee et al. examined adaptive decision-making processes by training monkeys to play a competitive game against a computer programmed to play using various strategies. They found that the monkeys' responses were sensitive to the computer's strategies and consistent with reinforcement learning. Research such as this strongly complements current research in behavioral economics. We propose some potential future directions for this work, and put forward conjectures about what might be learned about decision-making in humans.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Competitive Behavior
  • Decision Making / physiology
  • Haplorhini / physiology*
  • Humans