Self-control and tool use in tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella).
Self-control is defined as forgoing immediate gratification to obtain a greater reward. Tool use may relate to self-control because both behaviors may require foresight and deliberate control over one's actions. The authors assessed 20 capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) for the ability to delay gratification in a tool task. Subjects were given rod-shaped food items that could either be consumed immediately or be carried to an apparatus and used to extract a more preferred food. The authors found that some monkeys were able to exhibit self-control. Monkeys with relatively more tool use experience demonstrated the greatest levels of self-control. These results indicate that capuchins are capable of delaying gratification when a higher quality reinforcer is present and that tool experience can influence levels of self-control in this task.
Evans
Theodore Avery
TA
Alpha Genesis, Inc., Yemassee, SC 29945, USA. taevans79@yahoo.com
Westergaard
Gregory Charles
GC
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D002428:Cebus; D004215:Distance Perception; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012201:Reward; D020377:Self Efficacy