Metacontingency in pairs of fish (Melanotaenia boesemani): A proposed setup to investigate cultural selection

Abstract

Metacontingency is a conceptual tool that allows behavior analysts to study behavioral processes at a cultural level. The majority of studies on metacontingencies concern cooperative behavior in humans. Skinner (1962), however, proposed some experimental setups for the study of cooperation using pigeons, which were followed by others. The present work was designed to present a setup that allows researchers to investigate metacontingencies using fish as subjects. In addition, it will present a pilot study. The results of the pilot may indicate that an aggregate product emitted by the pairs of fish can be shaped and maintained by its consequences. This enhances the generality of the metacontingency concept, demonstrating that the concept may describe cultural selection in non-human subjects.