Fairness Study with Animals

Overview

• The study focused on fairness among animals, becoming famous after its initial execution 10 years ago.
• Originally conducted with capuchin monkeys, later replicated with dogs, birds, and chimpanzees.

Experiment with Capuchin Monkeys

• Setup:

  • Two capuchin monkeys placed side by side.
  • Monkeys taken out of their group and put into a test chamber.
  • Conducted a simple task repeatedly.

• Task and Reward System:

  • Both monkeys given cucumber for completing the task.
  • Monkeys were willing to perform the task 25 times consecutively for cucumber.
  • Cucumbers are considered low value (mostly water).

• Introduction of Inequity:

  • Change the reward for one monkey to grapes, a higher value food.
  • Created a sense of inequity between the two monkeys.

Observations

• Initial Reaction:

  • Both monkeys initially accept cucumbers.
  • The monkey receiving cucumber notices the other receiving grapes.

• Behavioral Change:

  • The monkey receiving cucumber reacts negatively after seeing the other monkey receive grapes.
  • Demonstrates dissatisfaction by throwing the rock, which is part of the task, against the wall.

Implications

• The study draws a parallel to social inequity issues, likened to a "Wall Street protest" scenario.
• Highlights innate sense of fairness and reaction to perceived inequities in animals, paralleling human societal reactions.