Social learning in mother-reared and "enculturated" capuchin monkeys
Abstract
This thesis explores social learning in mother-reared and “enculturated” capuchin
monkeys (Cebus apella). At the outset a framework for understanding the social
influence on learning is discussed, followed by a review of the social and cognitive
abilities of capuchin monkeys, establishing the rationale for studying social learning in
this species.
Studies of wild capuchins suggest an important role for social learning but
experiments with captive subjects have generally failed to support this. Some potential
reasons for the lack of evidence in experimental settings are given.
An example of using the two - method design to test social learning in acquiring
behaviour by enculturated subjects is addressed. The results are related to findings with
other species tested with a similar apparatus. Before testing mother-reared monkeys, an
observational study of the object manipulation and tool-use repertoire of the subjects was
carried out in order to facilitate the design of suitable social learning tasks for these
monkeys.
The first empirical study in Chapter 6 reports results of experiments with the
enculturated and mother-reared capuchin monkeys employing the two -action method
together with a third control group. The enculturated monkeys exhibited high fidelity
copying that included the specific tool use technique witnessed while opening the
foraging box. Mother-reared monkeys exhibited fidelity at a lower level, tending only to
re-create the results the model had achieved.
The second empirical study in Chapter 7 tested whether capuchin monkeys could
show cumulative cultural learning manifested in the ability to switch from an established
mode of manipulating a dipping box to a complex yet more advantageous one. Both
populations were able to do so. The enculturated monkeys, as in the previous study,
showed higher fidelity copying of the model.
The last experiment was a preliminary study employing the “do as I do” method
which was carried out with four of the enculturated monkeys. It provides suggestive
evidence for at least one monkey's understanding of the task.
The results of the studies are discussed in relation to previous experimental
research as well as to data from capuchin monkeys in nature. The possible role of
enculturation in social learning ability is considered.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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