Mechanisms underlying social influences on learning

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Much of an animal's behavioural repertoire is not innate but is learned through trial-and-error and observational learning. These learning processes are not static but dynamically modulated by social interactions and cues. I will use songbirds (e.g., Bengalese finches, song sparrows) to investigate how social interactions and cues modulate the learning of vocal communication signals. Songbirds learn their vocal communication signals (i.e., song) during development by listening to and memorizing adult exemplars and use these signals during social interactions. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated that the acquisition of song is influenced by social interactions and social reinforcement signals.