The effect of task structure on diffusion dynamics: Implications for diffusion curve and network-based analyses.

Learning & Behavior
Will HoppittK N Laland

Abstract

Theoretical analyses within the broad field of social learning research give mixed conclusions on whether the shape of a diffusion curve can be used to infer that a learned trait increases through social or asocial learning. Here we explore how factors such as task structure (e.g., multiple-step tasks), task abandonment, subgoal learning, and neophobia affect the shape of the diffusion curve for both asocially learned and socially learned behavior. We demonstrate that, whereas social learning increases the likelihood of S-shaped curves, sigmoidal patterns can be generated by entirely asocial processes, and cannot be reliably interpreted as indicators of social learning. Our findings reinforce the view that diffusion curve analysis is not a reliable way of detecting social transmission. We also draw attention to the fact that task structure can similarly confound interpretation of network-based diffusion analyses, and suggest resolutions to this problem. Supplemental materials for this article may be downloaded from http://lb.psychonomic-journals.org/content/supplemental.

Citations

Aug 17, 2012·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·N AttonK N Laland
Nov 13, 2012·PloS One·R Alexander BentleyWilliam A Brock
Mar 30, 2016·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Heidi Colleran
Sep 3, 2014·Behavioural Processes·Neeltje J BoogertKevin N Laland
Apr 24, 2015·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Heidi Colleran, Ruth Mace
Feb 13, 2015·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Damien R FarineWilliam Hoppitt
Jul 3, 2015·PloS One·Glenna F NightingalePeter Nightingale
Nov 24, 2017·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Matthew J Hasenjager, Lee A Dugatkin
Oct 11, 2017·Royal Society Open Science·Anne KandlerLaura Fortunato
Oct 25, 2017·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Will Hoppitt
Aug 4, 2020·The Journal of Animal Ecology·Matthew J HasenjagerWilliam Hoppitt
Jul 1, 2017·Journal of the Royal Society, Interface·Thomas R ShultzLucy M Aplin
Apr 11, 2014·The Behavioral and Brain Sciences·R Alexander BentleyWilliam A Brock
Sep 20, 2018·Scientific Reports·Paul E SmaldinoDamien R Farine
Jan 20, 2011·American Journal of Primatology·William Hoppitt, Kevin N Laland
Oct 8, 2020·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Matthew J HasenjagerLee A Dugatkin
May 18, 2021·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Alex Mesoudi

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.