Time matching between grooming partners: Do methodological distinctions between short versus long-term reciprocation matter?

摘要: Primatologists have long focused on grooming exchanges to examine aspects of social relationships, co-operation, and cognition. One particular interest is the extent which reciprocating grooming partners time match, and frame over they do so. Conclusions about matching vary across species. Generally, researchers focus on duration pauses between episodes that involve a switch in partner roles choose cut-off point distinguish short from longer-term reciprocation. Problematically, made inconsistent choices cut-offs. Such methodological variations are potentially concerning, as it unclear whether conclusions short-term attributable species/ecological differences, or due part inconsistency. We ask various criteria for separating versus long-term reciprocation influence using data free-ranging rhesus ( Macaca mulatta) captive-crested macaques nigra). compare several commonly used cut-offs ones generated by currently preferred approach-survival analysis. Crested displayed mild degree regardless cutoff used. For macaques, whereas most yielded similar degrees one derived survival analysis, very significantly underestimated both rank distance matching. Although may some flexibility their choice cut-offs, we suggest employ caution analysis when possible, not avoiding windows.