title: Vicarious learning from human models in monkeys.
abstract: We examined whether monkeys can learn by observing a human model, through vicarious learning. Two monkeys observed a human model demonstrating an object-reward association and consuming food found underneath an object. The monkeys observed human models as they solved more than 30 learning problems. For each problem, the human models made a choice between two objects, one of which concealed a piece of apple. In the test phase afterwards, the monkeys made a choice of their own. Learning was apparent from the first trial of the test phase, confirming the ability of monkeys to learn by vicarious observation of human models.
authors: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
authors: Rossella
authors: R
authors: Falcone
authors: Emiliano
authors: E
authors: Brunamonti
authors: Aldo
authors: A
authors: Genovesio
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology*