Self-control in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): controlling for differential stimulus exposure

Percept Mot Skills. 2004 Feb;98(1):141-6. doi: 10.2466/pms.98.1.141-146.

Abstract

Previous research on self-control using macaques (Macaca fascicularis) showed these animals have a strong bias for a delayed, larger reinforcer (Self-control) over an immediate, smaller reinforcer (Impulsive). Typical studies of self-control have used a discrete trials methodology with a secondary discriminative stimulus during the delay periods. This results in a greater exposure to the stimulus representing the self-controlled option and may account for some of the early exclusive preference for self-control observed. The present experiment examined self-control bias in three rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) while controlling for differential durations of stimulus exposure. Subjects were presented stimuli via a computer monitor and made choices by touching the stimulus at which point both stimuli were removed for the delay periods. All three subjects displayed a nearly exclusive bias for the delayed, larger reinforcer self-control). These results are consistent with previous studies, despite the variations in methodology and species.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Self Efficacy*