Speaker: Alexandra Rosati (Psychology, Michigan)

Title: The primate origins of complex cognition

Abstract: Human cognition is marked by especially high levels of cognitive control and flexible decision-making. What are the evolutionary roots of these cognitive traits? I will present research examining different aspects of value-based decision-making, executive function, and social decision-making capacities across primate species that vary in features of their natural history such as diet, social structure, and life history. I will use this data to test hypotheses about why different facets of ‘intelligent’ behavior emerge across species, as well as how these differences emerge in comparative development.

Faculty or posdocs wishing to meet with Dr. Rosati during the day are encouraged to contact pcarruth [at] umd.edu. We have some open spots this week.

Grad students wishing to go to lunch with Dr. Rosati (12.15-1.30) are invited to contact Robert Ragsdale rragsdal [at] umd.edu