Uncertainty monitoring may promote emergents

Behav Brain Sci. 2003 Jun;26(3):353. doi: 10.1017/S0140525X03370086.

Abstract

We suggest that the phenomenon of uncertainty monitoring in nonhuman animals contributes richly to the conception of nonhuman animals' self-monitoring. We propose that uncertainty may play a role in the emergence of new forms of behavior that are adaptive. We recommend that Smith et al. determine the extent to which the uncertain response transfers immediately to other test paradigms.