Self-control in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta): controlling for differential stimulus exposure.
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.
Szalda-Petree
Allen D
AD
Department of Psychology, Skaggs Building, Room 143, The University of Montana-Missoula, Missoula, MT 59812-MPSI01, USA. allen.szalda-petree@umontana.edu
Craft
Baine B
BB
Martin
Lori M
LM
Deditius-Island
Heide K
HK
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy