Psychology Science Minute #502

To get along with others, humans encourage equal sharing. Do Chimpanzees, who are primates like humans, act similarly?  Will they, more likely choose a selfish or a fair reward when playing a game with another chimp?

Researchers compared 20 preschool children (average 4 years) and 6 adult chimps in playing the choice game with peers.  The initiator of the game can choose two tokens, one favors the chooser.   The other token equally rewards both players.  The initiator can select a selfish or an equitable option and pass it to their peer who either accepts or rejects their decision. If the peer rejects the offer, neither gets the reward. Thus, they need to cooperate to maximize wins.

Results? Chimpanzees and children more often chose the equitable over the selfish option. Thus, if the peer is present and has the power to either accept or reject the award, humans and chimpanzees respond fairly to maximize their gains. 

Our common primate ancestor evolved successfully around 6 million years ago with something similar to a sense of fairness. Let’s encourage all humans generously sharing talents and wealth so we all might thrive and survive well together today.