#targeted helping

[er-cryptid]

Yamamoto Study Vocabulary

Theory of Mind -- our capacity to understand the intentions and needs of others

Targeted Helping -- also called instrumental helping -- help based in the cognitive appreciation of the need or situation of others

Altruism -- willingness to do for others

Prosocial Behavior -- any action with the intention to help

Empathy -- ability to share someone’s emotional state by imagining what it would be like to be in that situation

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[blogantenna]

Helpful chimps

Well, yes, Antenna's dissertation is taking over her blogging. But who doesn't want to watch videos of animals helping each other?

These are pretty rad. So there are two chimps, one of whom needs a specific tool to solve a problem and another who has a set of 7 potential tools. When the chimp with the tools is able to see the other's situation, they are able to select the correct tool and hand it to their partner. Watch that here. Upon the request of Pan (on the right), Pal transferred a straw, which Pan used to successfully obtain a juice reward.

When the chimp with the tools can't see what situation their partner is in, he still attempts to help when requested, but fails to pick out the right tool. Instead, they attempt to give their partner what they want by trial and error. Like this. Cleo (on the left) first offered a straw to Chloe. As Chloe continued requesting, Cleo transferred a hose, a brush, and finally a stick, which Chloe actually required.

Thanks to Pan and Cleo for being so helpful.