This study investigated whether chimpanzees and children use imitation or emulation to solve a tool-use task based on the availability of causal information. Young chimpanzees and 3- to 4-year-old children observed a human demonstrator use a tool to retrieve a reward from a puzzle-box. The demonstration included both relevant and irrelevant actions, with the box presented in opaque and clear conditions. In the opaque condition, causal information was not available, so chimpanzees imitated both relevant and irrelevant actions. In the clear condition, they used an emulative strategy, focusing on the outcome rather than the actions. Children, however, used imitation in both conditions, even though it was less efficient. The study suggests that chimpanzees prefer emulation when causal information is available, but imitate when it is not. Children, on the other hand, are more influenced by cultural conventions and focus more on the results and goals of the demonstrator. The paper discusses the distinction between imitation and emulation, noting that imitation requires behavioral fidelity, while emulation focuses on the outcome. It also highlights that imitation is traditionally seen as the most accurate form of social learning, but emulation may be more efficient when causal relationships are clear. The study emphasizes the importance of causal knowledge in determining the social learning strategy used by chimpanzees and children.This study investigated whether chimpanzees and children use imitation or emulation to solve a tool-use task based on the availability of causal information. Young chimpanzees and 3- to 4-year-old children observed a human demonstrator use a tool to retrieve a reward from a puzzle-box. The demonstration included both relevant and irrelevant actions, with the box presented in opaque and clear conditions. In the opaque condition, causal information was not available, so chimpanzees imitated both relevant and irrelevant actions. In the clear condition, they used an emulative strategy, focusing on the outcome rather than the actions. Children, however, used imitation in both conditions, even though it was less efficient. The study suggests that chimpanzees prefer emulation when causal information is available, but imitate when it is not. Children, on the other hand, are more influenced by cultural conventions and focus more on the results and goals of the demonstrator. The paper discusses the distinction between imitation and emulation, noting that imitation requires behavioral fidelity, while emulation focuses on the outcome. It also highlights that imitation is traditionally seen as the most accurate form of social learning, but emulation may be more efficient when causal relationships are clear. The study emphasizes the importance of causal knowledge in determining the social learning strategy used by chimpanzees and children.