Timing of social feedback shapes observational learning in strategic interaction

Abstract

Many types of social interaction require the ability to anticipate others' behavior, which is commonly referred to as strategic sophistication. In this context, observational learning can represent a decisive tool for behavioral adaptation. However, little is known on whether and when individuals learn from observation in interactive settings. In the current study, 321 participants played one-shot interactive games and, at a given time along the experiment, they could observe the choices of an overtly efficient player. This social feedback could be provided before or after the participant’s choice in each game. Results reveal that players with a sufficient level of strategic skills increased their level of sophistication only when the social feedback was provided after their choices, whereas they relied on blind imitation when they received feedback before their decision. Conversely, less sophisticated players did not increase their level of sophistication, regardless of the type of social feedback. Our findings disclose the interplay between endogenous and exogenous factors modulating observational learning in strategic interaction.

Systems Thinking in an era of climate change: Does cognitive neuroscience hold the key to improving environmental decision making? A perspective on Climate-Smart Agriculture

“…We propose that higher forms of ST are associated with an enhanced ability to respond to observational learning (e.g., Zonca et al, 2021 8 ) and further posit that this correlates positively with prospective thinking/memory; attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and thereby intention to perform the behaviour (theory of planned behaviour constructs referred to as planned behaviour in Figure 2 ). Whilst the observational task designs mentioned in the previous section have utilised fMRI we envisage that it would be possible to adapt methodologies by Burke et al ( 2010 ) and Monfardini et al ( 2008 ), Monfardini et al ( 2013 ) whilst participants are monitored by NIRS and performing tasks using a tablet.…”

“… 8 Although Zonca et al ( 2021 ) did not look at ST abilities they found that individuals with a low initial level of strategic sophistication did not succeed in learning from observation compared to those with a higher level of strategic sophistication. …”

Predicting choice behaviour in economic games using gaze data encoded as scanpath images

“…In two of these categories, strategic sophistication is required in order to identify the Nash equilibrium. Strategic sophistication is the attempt to predict others' decisions by taking their incentives into account 28,52 . In the third category, the equilibrium strategy can be identified without taking into account the other player incentives.…”

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“…Social information can be gleaned either by observing others’ behavior ( Charpentier et al, 2020 ; Zhang et al, 2020 ; Zhao et al, 2023 ) or by following explicit advice or social feedback ( Harris, 2012 ; Colombo et al, 2014 ; Van der Borght et al, 2016 ; Hertz et al, 2021 ; Zonca et al, 2021 ; Schindler et al, 2022 ). Processing social feedback is essential for social learning, imitation, and adaptation; thus, it plays a crucial role in daily life ( Vélez and Gweon, 2021 ; Zhang et al, 2022 ).…”