The Cavalier Daily
Serving the University Community Since 1890

The self-doubt monkey complex

A recent study has shown that macaques can experience uncertainty and self-doubt. The macaques, which are Old World monkeys, were trained to play a videogame in which they judged the density of a pixel box on a computer screen. They used a joystick to move a cursor toward either a letter 'S' (for sparse) or 'D' (for dense). They also could choose a question mark on the computer screen.

Monkeys which chose correctly received a treat and immediately moved on to a new problem screen. Those which chose incorrectly weren't punished, but there was a delay before a new screen appeared, forcing the macaque to wait to move on. If the macaques chose the question mark, however, they received no treat but moved on instantly to the next screen without waiting - in effect, taking a pass. Prof. John David Smith from State University of New York at Buffalo, one of the leaders of the study, told the BBC, "Monkeys apparently appreciate when they are likely to make an error ... they seem to know when they don't know."

Interestingly, Capuchin monkeys, a species of New World monkey - which are less closely related to humans - did not take the question mark option. This raises questions about human evolutionary history and when the capacity for self-doubt developed. "These results could explain why self-awareness is such an important part of our cognitive makeup and from whence it came," Smith said.

-compiled by Haley McKey

Local Savings

Puzzles
Hoos Spelling

Latest Podcast

The University’s Orientation and Transition programs are vital to supporting first year and transfer students throughout their entire transition to college. But much of their work goes into planning summer orientation sessions. Funlola Fagbohun, associate director of the first year experience, describes her experience working with OTP and how she strives to create a welcoming environment for first-years during orientation and beyond. Along with her role as associate director, summer Orientation leaders and OTP staff work continually to provide a safe and memorable experience for incoming students.