A new study done on monkeys show that they will conform to the social norms of another group. A group of researchers at the University of St. Andrews performed tests on monkeys where they would dye corn two different colors and make one of the colors taste repulsive. The two different groups of monkeys would have the opposite colors tasting bad. Once the monkeys had figured out that only one color tasted good, the scientists mixed the two groups and gave them both colors of corn. The group that moved instantly accepted that because their hosts were eating the "bad" corn, they should eat it too. This behavior surprised the scientists and showed them that monkeys can be as socially intelligent as humans.
NOS Themes
Role of Skepticism
Role of motivation and curiosity
Alex Olawsky
Hr 3
Like monkeys, humans also conform to society so they are accepted. It would be interesting to know if the monkeys changed there preference of color because they thought the local monkeys knew it was better, or if they were just trying to fit in.
ReplyDeleteHere is an article about adaptations to new environments:
http://www.lucifereffect.com/guide_conform.htm
It describes the two main types of conformity