Capuchin monkeys ( Sapajus [ Cebus ] apella ) play Nash equilibria in dynamic games, but their decisions are likely not influenced by oxytocin

Bibliographic Data

ID21078747
AuthorsMackenzie F Smith (0000-0002-7795-9282, Department of Psychology Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia, corresponding author), Kelly L Leverett (Language Research Center Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia), Bart J Wilson (0000-0001-5770-0102, Economic Science Institute Chapman University Orange California), Sarah F Brosnan (0000-0002-5117-6706, Department of Psychology Georgia State University Atlanta Georgia)
Year2019
Volume81
Issue4
Pagese22973-e22973
Publication date2019-04-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Primatology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0275-2565 • E-ISSN: 1098-2345
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajp.22973
PMID30985013
OpenAlexW2936430197
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited60

Comparative approaches to experimental economics have shed light on the evolution of social decision‐making across a range of primate species, including humans. Here we replicate our previous work looking at six pairs of capuchin monkeys' ( Sapajus [Cebus] apella ) responses to scenarios requiring both coordination (Assurance Game) and anti‐coordination (Hawk‐Dove Game). This then provides a foundation for assessing their responses to two additional games, one with a scenario of beneficial cooperation with a temptation to defect (Prisoner's Dilemma) and one with an environment requiring changing strategies within short temporal proximity (Alternating Economic Game). We additionally explored the effects of exogenous oxytocin on decision‐making. Oxytocin did not affect decisions in any of our games. Results from the first two games largely replicated our previous findings. Responses to the Prisoner's Dilemma were more varied than was seen in previous games, with pairs respectively cooperating, defecting, and failing to establish stable strategies. Such variability indicates that this game may be a good assay for individual differences in social decision‐making. Finally, capuchins were able to flexibly switch between their previously established strategies within each of the different games, even when the games were presented within the same session, requiring strategy adjustments within short temporal proximity. These results build on earlier findings showing that capuchins can alter decision‐making strategies as the context demands, which is likely essential for decision‐making in naturally occurring contexts

Biology · Cognitive psychology · Dilemma · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Psychology · Social Psychology

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