Social learning, defined as learning that is influenced by observation of or interaction with another individual, is widespread in animals. It reaches a zenith in the unique cumulative culture of humans. Although social learning is a potentially cheap way of acquiring information, it comes with pitfalls because the acquired information might be outdated, misleading, or inappropriate. In the lecture evidence for model-based learning biases in young children and infants will be provided, including a precocious sensitivity to the trustworthiness of speakers.
The Developmental Origins of Selective Trust
Diane Poulin-Dubois
Concordia University, Montréal, Canada