Experimental approaches to studying cumulative cultural evolution

Citation

Caldwell CA, Atkinson M & Renner E (2016) Experimental approaches to studying cumulative cultural evolution. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25 (3), pp. 191-195. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721416641049

Abstract
In humans, cultural traditions often change in ways which increase efficiency and functionality. This process, widely referred to as cumulative cultural evolution, sees beneficial traits preferentially retained, and it is so pervasive that we may be inclined to take it for granted. However, directional change of this kind appears to distinguish human cultural traditions from behavioural traditions that have been documented in other animals. Cumulative culture is therefore attracting an increasing amount of attention within psychology, and researchers have begun to develop methods of studying this phenomenon under controlled conditions. These studies have now addressed a number of different questions, including which learning mechanisms may be implicated, and how the resulting behaviours may be influenced by factors such as population structure. The current article provides a synopsis of some of these studies, and highlights some of the unresolved issues in this field.

Keywords
cumulative culture; cultural evolution; imitation; microsocieties; ratchet effect

Journal
Current Directions in Psychological Science: Volume 25, Issue 3

People

Professor Christine Anna Caldwell

Professor, Psychology