Jakarta –
A study published in Scientific Reports shows that monkeys can outperform humans in a test of cognitive flexibility. This test is related to how humans tend to memorize rather than act with effective shortcuts.
This study was conducted by a team of psychology researchers from Georgia State University. The study involved 56 humans, 22 capuchin monkeys and 7 rhesus monkeys.
This testing involves establishing a specific strategy to produce a solution. Through trial and error using computers, monkeys and humans had to follow a pattern by pushing a striped square then a dotted square and then a triangle to reach a goal, ultimately receiving a reward.
Georgia State psychology graduate student and lead author of the paper, Julia Watzek, said the study shows monkeys have more cognitive flexibility than humans.
This is related to the desire to explore more efficient options for solving a problem.
“The results of this study support previous research on fellow primates, baboons and chimpanzees, which also showed a greater willingness to use optional shortcuts to obtain rewards compared to humans who continued to use familiar strategies even though they were relatively inefficient,” said Watzek , quoted from ScienceDaily.
How Can Monkeys Win?
In these trials, it turned out that humans thought the prizes were in the form of jingles or points so they knew they were doing it right.
But for monkeys, they are banana ‘pellets’. Incorrect results will result in a short wait time and no reward.
Once the strategy was learned, the next trial immediately presented the triangle choice without having to press the patterned squares in sequence.
“All the monkeys quickly used the shortcut, while 61 percent of humans did not,” explains Watzek.
This fact suggests that 70 percent of all monkeys used the shortcut when it was first available compared to only one in humans.
“I think we are less and less surprised that sometimes primates outsmart humans,” he added.
Humans Have a Dependency on Memorization
Watzek revealed that humans have had a great dependence on rote learning. This makes them carry out (trials) according to the method taught and specifically not take shortcuts.
“More people take shortcuts after seeing a video of someone taking a shortcut, but about 30 percent still don’t do it,” explained Watzek.
Researchers say the study illustrates how humans can suffer from learning biases that can cause humans to make inefficient decisions and miss opportunities.
In short, many people stick to what is common and proven or has been studied. On the other hand, the use of inefficient, biased, or outdated practices can have far-reaching consequences.
“To prepare yourself to make good decisions, sometimes that means changing existing options,” Watzek said.
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(faz/nwk)
2024-02-19 12:30:00
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