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A Method for Studying Altruism in Monkeys

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Abstract

An experimental method was developed to study possible “altruistic” interactions in monkeys. Two monkeys were placed in adjacent cages. Each monkey could choose to feed itself by pressing one lever or to feed both itself and the other monkey by pressing a different lever. The results demonstrated that several types of reactions including an altruistic one are possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA

    Arthur D. Colman, Klaus E. Liebold & John J. Boren

Authors
  1. Arthur D. Colman
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  2. Klaus E. Liebold
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  3. John J. Boren
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Colman, A.D., Liebold, K.E. & Boren, J.J. A Method for Studying Altruism in Monkeys. Psychol Rec 19, 401–405 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393866

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393866

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