Experimental comparisons of observational learning mechanisms for movement imitation in mobile robots

2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Saunders ◽  
Chrystopher L. Nehaniv ◽  
Kerstin Dautenhahn
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Observational Learning ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Dynamic Movement ◽  
Dynamic Observation ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Movement Imitation ◽  
Dependent Behaviour ◽  
Experimental Comparisons

Research into robotic social learning, especially that concerned with imitation, often focuses at differing ends of a spectrum from observational learning at one end to following or matched-dependent behaviour at the other. We study the implications and differences that arise when carrying out experiments both at the extremes and within this spectrum. Physical Khepera robots with minimal sensory capabilities are used, and after training, experiments are carried out where an imitating robot perceives the dynamic movement behaviours of another model robot carrying a light source. It learns the movement behaviour of the model by either statically observing the model, dynamically observing the model or by following the model. It finally re-enacts the learnt behaviour. We compare the results of these re-enactments and illustrate the differences and trade-offs that arise between static observational and reactive following learning methods. We also consider circumstances where, for this robotic embodiment, dynamic observation has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to static observation. We conclude by discussing the implications that arise from using and combining these types of social learning.

Low Self-Control, Substance-Using Peers and Intimate Partners, Pro-Drug Use Definitions, and Inhalant Use Among Convicted Offenders in South Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaeyong Choi ◽  
Nathan E. Kruis
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Mediation Hypothesis ◽  
Low Self Control ◽  
The Relationship

Hirschi has repeatedly argued that the relationship between social learning variables and crime is a product of “self-selection” driven by low self-control (LSC). Akers’ has suggested that social learning mechanisms, such as affiliations with deviant individuals and acceptance of criminal definitions, can mediate the effects of LSC on crime. Interestingly, there has been little comparative work done to explore this mediation hypothesis in the realm of substance use for offender populations outside of the United States. This study helps fill these gaps in the literature by exploring the potential mediation effects of social learning variables on the relationship between LSC and inhalant use among a sample of 739 male offenders in South Korea. Our results provide strong support for the mediation hypothesis that LSC indirectly influences self-reported inhalant use through social learning mechanisms.

scholarly journals The evolution of social learning mechanisms and cultural phenomena in group foragers

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. van der Post ◽  
Mathias Franz ◽  
Kevin N. Laland
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Learning Mechanisms

scholarly journals Living in mixed species groups promotes predator learning in degraded habitats

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas P. Chivers ◽  
Mark I. McCormick ◽  
Eric P. Fakan ◽  
Randall P. Barry ◽  
Maud C. O. Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Alarm Cues ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Chemical Alarm Cues ◽  
Pomacentrus Amboinensis ◽  
Predator Foraging ◽  
Predator Learning ◽  
Predator Odour

AbstractLiving in mix-species aggregations provides animals with substantive anti-predator, foraging and locomotory advantages while simultaneously exposing them to costs, including increased competition and pathogen exposure. Given each species possess unique morphology, competitive ability, parasite vulnerability and predator defences, we can surmise that each species in mixed groups will experience a unique set of trade-offs. In addition to this unique balance, each species must also contend with anthropogenic changes, a relatively new, and rapidly increasing phenomenon, that adds further complexity to any system. This complex balance of biotic and abiotic factors is on full display in the exceptionally diverse, yet anthropogenically degraded, Great Barrier Reef of Australia. One such example within this intricate ecosystem is the inability of some damselfish to utilize their own chemical alarm cues within degraded habitats, leaving them exposed to increased predation risk. These cues, which are released when the skin is damaged, warn nearby individuals of increased predation risk and act as a crucial associative learning tool. Normally, a single exposure of alarm cues paired with an unknown predator odour facilitates learning of that new odour as dangerous. Here, we show that Ambon damselfish, Pomacentrus amboinensis, a species with impaired alarm responses in degraded habitats, failed to learn a novel predator odour as risky when associated with chemical alarm cues. However, in the same degraded habitats, the same species learned to recognize a novel predator as risky when the predator odour was paired with alarm cues of the closely related, and co-occurring, whitetail damselfish, Pomacentrus chrysurus. The importance of this learning opportunity was underscored in a survival experiment which demonstrated that fish in degraded habitats trained with heterospecific alarm cues, had higher survival than those we tried to train with conspecific alarm cues. From these data, we conclude that redundancy in learning mechanisms among prey guild members may lead to increased stability in rapidly changing environments.

scholarly journals Designing a Social Learning Analytics Tool for Open Annotation and Collaborative Learning

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah (Remi) Kalir
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Social Learning ◽  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Learning Analytics ◽  
Learning Sciences ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Collaborative Annotation ◽  
Social Learning Analytics

This book chapter recounts one approach to ethically co-designing a public dashboard that reports social learning analytics and encourages learners’ collaborative annotation across open texts and contexts. As a design narrative in the learning sciences, this chapter is a reflective, first-hand account organized around three related objectives: 1) Naming the theoretical stances toward open and social learning that informed design and research; 2) Describing key decisions and trade-offs pertinent to four iterations of a social learning analytics dashboard; and 3) Considering epistemological, technological, and infrastructural implications for the development and use of social learning analytics in open, flexible, and distance learning.

On the Interplay between Extortion and Punishment. An Agent Based Model of "Camorra"

2013 ◽  
pp. 65-77
Author(s):  
Barbara Sonzogni ◽  
Federico Cecconi ◽  
Rosaria Conte
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Agent Based Model ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
Italian Region ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Highly Active

This paper presents an Agent-Based Model aimed to reproduce the demographics, economic and employment variables of a Southern Italian region (Campania) where one specific variant of Extortion Racketeering Systems (Erss), camorra, is highly active and prosperous. Preliminary results of a set of simulations show the effects of varying levels of extortion and punishment on the rates of inactivity, employment, etc. of a population of agents endowed with social learning mechanisms

scholarly journals The zone of latent solutions and its relevance to understanding ape cultures

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Tennie ◽  
Elisa Bandini ◽  
Carel P. van Schaik ◽  
Lydia M. Hopper
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Null Hypothesis ◽  
Experimental Methodology ◽  
Great Ape ◽  
Cultural Patterns ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Learning Hypothesis ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Do So

Abstract The zone of latent solutions (ZLS) hypothesis provides an alternative approach to explaining cultural patterns in primates and many other animals. According to the ZLS hypothesis, non-human great ape (henceforth: ape) cultures consist largely or solely of latent solutions. The current competing (and predominant) hypothesis for ape culture argues instead that at least some of their behavioural or artefact forms are copied through specific social learning mechanisms (“copying social learning hypothesis”) and that their forms may depend on copying (copying-dependent forms). In contrast, the ape ZLS hypothesis does not require these forms to be copied. Instead, it suggests that several (non-form-copying) social learning mechanisms help determine the frequency (but typically not the form) of these behaviours and artefacts within connected individuals. The ZLS hypothesis thus suggests that increases and stabilisations of a particular behaviour’s or artefact’s frequency can derive from socially-mediated (cued) form reinnovations. Therefore, and while genes and ecology play important roles as well, according to the ape ZLS hypothesis, apes typically acquire the forms of their behaviours and artefacts individually, but are usually socially induced to do so (provided sufficient opportunity, necessity, motivation and timing). The ZLS approach is often criticized—perhaps also because it challenges the current null hypothesis, which instead assumes a requirement of form-copying social learning mechanisms to explain many ape behavioural (and/or artefact) forms. However, as the ZLS hypothesis is a new approach, with less accumulated literature compared to the current null hypothesis, some confusion is to be expected. Here, we clarify the ZLS approach—also in relation to other competing hypotheses—and address misconceptions and objections. We believe that these clarifications will provide researchers with a coherent theoretical approach and an experimental methodology to examine the necessity of form-copying variants of social learning in apes, humans and other species.

scholarly journals Can You Pay for Peace?

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 152-175
Author(s):  
Lila Wade
Keyword(s):  
Peace Operations ◽  
Current Analysis ◽  
Peace Agreement ◽  
Transitional State ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Peace Operation ◽  
Operational Efficacy

Financing mechanisms are central to the operational efficacy of peace operations, yet current analysis of peacebuilding finance is atomistic, focusing on one domain, such as coordination or financing. To address the need for deeper understanding of how financing modalities affect peacebuilding outcomes, this paper identifies the trade-offs and opportunities of different financing schema across the lifespan of a peace operation. In order to parse the linkages between financing and outcomes, this paper examines: (1) control of donor funds within a transitional state; (2) budgeting for coordination and alignment; (3) promoting partnerships and participation through funding modalities; and (4) funding ‘quick impact’ projects to bridge the periods of immediate relief and long-term development. With reference to peacebuilding operations in Liberia after the 2003 Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, this analysis highlights numerous innovations and experiments in the financing of peace operations, examining the advantages and disadvantages inherent in different approaches.

scholarly journals A weapons–testes trade-off in males is amplified in female traits

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1908) ◽  
pp. 20190906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine W. Miller ◽  
Paul N. Joseph ◽  
Rebecca M. Kilner ◽  
Zachary Emberts
Keyword(s):  
Hind Limb ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Developmental Timing ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Hind Limbs ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Competitive Allocation ◽  
Experimental Comparisons ◽  
Functional Grouping

Sexually selected weapons are assumed to trade off with traits related to ejaculates, such as testes. However, remarkably little is known about what governs resource allocation and why trade-offs are found in some cases and not others. Often-used models depict competitive allocation occurring within the functional grouping of traits (e.g. reproduction); however, other factors including tissue expense and developmental timing may influence allocation. Experimental comparisons of investment across the sexes have the potential to illuminate allocation rules, because the sexes do not always use traits for the same functions. Here, we capitalize upon a species where females have weapons–testes homologues. We report that a documented trade-off in investment between hind-limb weapons and testes in leaf-footed cactus bugs, Narnia femorata , is even more pronounced in female hind limbs and ovaries. Female hind limbs in this species do not share the clear reproductive function of male hind limbs; therefore, this trade-off spans trait functional groups. Such patterns of investment suggest that future studies of reproductive trade-offs should consider factors such as tissue expense and developmental timing.

scholarly journals Trial-and-error copying of demonstrated actions reveals how fledglings learn to ‘imitate’ their mothers

2017 ◽  
Vol 284 (1849) ◽  
pp. 20162744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noa Truskanov ◽  
Arnon Lotem
Keyword(s):  
Social Learning ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Experimental Paradigm ◽  
Learning Mechanisms ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Unified Process ◽  
Behavioural Repertoire ◽  
Process Level ◽  
Level Analysis

Understanding how humans and other animals learn to perform an act from seeing it done has been a major challenge in the study of social learning. To determine whether this ability is based on ‘true imitation’, many studies have applied the two-action experimental paradigm, examining whether subjects learn to perform the specific action demonstrated to them. Here, we show that the insights gained from animals' success in two-action experiments may be limited, and that a better understanding is achieved by monitoring subjects' entire behavioural repertoire. Hand-reared house sparrows that followed a model of a mother demonstrator were successful in learning to find seeds hidden under a leaf, using the action demonstrated by the mother (either pushing the leaf or pecking it). However, they also produced behaviours that had not been demonstrated but were nevertheless related to the demonstrated act. This finding suggests that while the learners were clearly influenced by the demonstrator, they did not accurately imitate her. Rather, they used their own behavioural repertoire, gradually fitting it to the demonstrated task solution through trial and error. This process is consistent with recent views on how animals learn to imitate, and may contribute to a unified process-level analysis of social learning mechanisms.

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