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Paper   IPM / Cognitive / 17289
School of Cognitive Sciences
  Title:   Prosocial learning: Model-based or model-free?
  Author(s): 
1.  P. Navidi
2.  S. Saeedpour
3.  S. Ershadmanesh
4.  M. Miandari Hossein
5.  B. Bahrami
  Status:   Published
  Journal: Plos One
  Vol.:  18
  Year:  2023
  Supported by:  IPM
  Abstract:
Prosocial learning involves the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for making decisions that benefit others. We asked if, in the context of value-based decision-making, there is any difference between learning strategies for oneself vs. for others. We implemented a 2-step reinforcement learning paradigm in which participants learned, in separate blocks, to make decisions for themselves or for a present other confederate who evaluated their performance. We replicated the canonical features of the model-based and model-free reinforcement learning in our results. The behaviour of the majority of participants was best explained by a mixture of the model-based and model-free control, while most participants relied more heavily on MB control, and this strategy enhanced their learning success. Regarding our key self-other hypothesis, we did not find any significant difference between the behavioural performances nor in the model-based parameters of learning when comparing self and other conditions.

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