The behavioural ecology of optimism and pessimism: Do optimists and pessimists realise different individualised niches? (A02)

• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions ; Sensory and Behavioural Biology
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316099922

Project A02 aims at investigating the behavioural ecology of optimism and pessimism in laboratory rats. Therefore, individual levels of optimism and pessimism will be determined by means of a cognitive bias paradigm. Subsequently, rats will be tested for their social and spatial preferences within a semi-natural environment as well as for their ability to conform to distinct environmental and social conditions. Furthermore, it will be investigated, whether optimism and pessimism represent stable traits and whether individual differences in optimism and pessimism are linked to other individual characteristics.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 212: A Novel Synthesis of Individualisation across Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution: Niche Choice, Niche Conformance, Niche Construction (NC3)
• Applicant Institution: Universität Bielefeld
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Sophie Helene Richter; Professor Dr. Norbert Sachser, until 12/2021