Strategy use in probabilistic categorization by rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and capuchin monkeys (Cebus [Sapajus] apella)

Probabilistic categorization tasks present the learner with a set of possible responses and imperfect cue evidence of which response will be rewarded. A single, optimal integration of all available cues into an optimal response is possible given any set of evidence. In contrast, there are many possible uses of the cues that offer the learner suboptimal (but better than chance) responding. We presented a classic probabilistic categorization task to 3 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and 13 capuchin monkeys (Cebus [Sapajus] apella) to explore what strategies for integration of imperfectly predictive stimulus information would be used by the animals. Using the strategy analysis models that have been previously used to describe human strategy use in probabilistic categorization tasks, we fit each of thousands of blocks of responses to 25 types of response strategies ranging from complex cognitive strategies (e.g., optimal integration of all evidence) to heuristic strategies (e.g., identify a highly predictive cue and respond based only on its presence or absence) to rote behavior (e.g., choosing the same response every trial). Inferences about strategy use were highly stable within animals and were heterogeneous across animals, with some animals never using cue information and others using it fruitfully. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).