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Maze runners: monkeys show restricted Arabic numeral summation during computerized two-arm maze performance
Elizabeth L Haseltine1, Michael J Beran2
1Psychology Department, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA. ehaseltine1@gsu.edu.
Animal Cognition
|March 5, 2024
Summary
Rhesus macaques successfully summed numeral values in a computerized maze, but struggled with delaying gratification and inhibiting responses to high-value stimuli. This highlights challenges in symbolic value integration and self-control in nonhuman primates.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Primate Behavior
- Comparative Psychology
Background:
- Nonhuman animals demonstrate complex cognitive abilities, including spatial navigation and numerical competence.
- Previous research utilized mazes to study animal cognition, but few have explored symbolic numerical value integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess rhesus macaques' ability to sum Arabic numeral values and maximize rewards in a computerized two-arm maze.
- To investigate the influence of delayed gratification and stimulus salience on reward maximization.
Main Methods:
- Four rhesus macaques were trained on a computerized two-arm maze task.
- Monkeys used a joystick to select maze arms, with rewards based on Arabic numeral values presented.
- Task variations included single numerals, summing two numerals, and delayed rewards.
Main Results:
- All macaques successfully maximized rewards when comparing single numerals and summing two numerals.
- Suboptimal choices occurred due to biases towards the largest single numeral and delayed rewards.
- Difficulties in inhibiting responses to high-value stimuli interfered with overall value optimization.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus macaques can integrate symbolic numerical values and perform simple summation.
- Inhibition and delay of gratification present challenges in tasks requiring consideration of overall symbolic value.
- Findings offer insights into primate decision-making processes and the interplay of value and self-control.
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