Is state-dependent valuation more adaptive than simpler rules?

TL;DR

This paper compares state-dependent valuation with simpler rules, showing that simpler mechanisms based on computational limitations can outperform more complex, adaptive strategies in certain environments, challenging assumptions about their evolutionary advantage.

Contribution

It introduces a simpler, computationally limited mechanism that outperforms state-dependent valuation in specific environments, questioning its supposed adaptive superiority.

Findings

Simpler mechanisms can outperform state-dependent valuation in certain scenarios.

Computational limitations influence the effectiveness of valuation strategies.

The proposed simple rules are more effective than complex adaptive strategies in the tested environment.

Abstract

McNamara, Trimmer, and Houston (2012) claim to provide an explanation of certain systematic deviations from rational behavior using a mechanism that could arise through natural selection. We provide an arguably much simpler mechanism in terms of computational limitations, that performs better in the environment described by McNamara, Trimmer, and Houston (2012). To argue convincingly that animals' use of state-dependent valuation is adaptive and is likely to be selected for by natural selection, one must argue that, in some sense, it is a better approach than the simple strategies that we propose.