Can Monkeys Choose Optimally When Faced with Noisy Stimuli and Unequal Rewards?
Author Information
Author(s): Feng Samuel, Holmes Philip, Rorie Alan, Newsome William T.
Primary Institution: Princeton University and Stanford University
Hypothesis
Can monkeys optimize their decisions when faced with unequal rewards and noisy stimuli?
Conclusion
Monkeys can make near-optimal decisions in a motion discrimination task, achieving over 98% of maximum possible rewards.
Supporting Evidence
- The monkeys' performance was close to optimal, with shifts erring in the direction of smaller penalties.
- Both monkeys averaged over multiple sessions achieved over 98% of their maximum possible rewards.
- The study provides a theoretical basis for understanding optimal decision-making in animals.
Takeaway
Monkeys are really good at making choices when they know which option has a bigger reward, even when the information is a bit confusing.
Methodology
The study involved two monkeys performing a motion discrimination task with varying reward conditions and coherence levels.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in the monkeys' decision-making processes due to unequal rewards.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize beyond the specific task and conditions tested.
Participant Demographics
Two adult male rhesus monkeys, A and T.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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