Indiana University study finds orangutans value rewards more after hearing laughter
Researchers at Indiana University Bloomington published a new study showing that orangutans learn better and value rewards more when they hear laughter during training sessions.
Study design tested mood effects
The research team led by Daan Laméris and Erica Cartmill conducted experiments over five consecutive days. Orangutans had to dig through different materials like wood chips or paper towels to find food rewards. On specific days, the animals heard laughter while learning which material hid the treat.
Results showed enhanced memory
On the final day, researchers returned the two materials that previously held rewards to see which one the orangutans chose first. The study found that hearing laughter caused the animals to value the learned reward more strongly than usual. This suggests positive moods enhance learning in great apes similar to humans.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.