William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter presents a classification of social learning mechanisms and explains how these mechanisms can be distinguished empirically. In most published social learning studies it is very difficult ...
More
This chapter presents a classification of social learning mechanisms and explains how these mechanisms can be distinguished empirically. In most published social learning studies it is very difficult to determine exactly which mechanisms are operating. This is because experiments are often not designed with this primary purpose. Nonetheless, in such cases a researcher may still wish to draw some inferences about the process underlying a particular case of social learning. The chapter discusses stimulus enhancement, local enhancement, observational conditioning, response facilitation, social facilitation, imitation, observational R-S learning, emulation, opportunity providing, inadvertent coaching, and production imitation. It also considers a pragmatic approach to characterizing mechanisms of social transmission.Less
This chapter presents a classification of social learning mechanisms and explains how these mechanisms can be distinguished empirically. In most published social learning studies it is very difficult to determine exactly which mechanisms are operating. This is because experiments are often not designed with this primary purpose. Nonetheless, in such cases a researcher may still wish to draw some inferences about the process underlying a particular case of social learning. The chapter discusses stimulus enhancement, local enhancement, observational conditioning, response facilitation, social facilitation, imitation, observational R-S learning, emulation, opportunity providing, inadvertent coaching, and production imitation. It also considers a pragmatic approach to characterizing mechanisms of social transmission.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter focuses on social learning strategies—functional rules specifying what, when, and who to copy. There are many plausible social learning strategies. Individuals might disproportionately ...
More
This chapter focuses on social learning strategies—functional rules specifying what, when, and who to copy. There are many plausible social learning strategies. Individuals might disproportionately copy when asocial learning would be difficult or costly, when they are uncertain of what to do, when the environment changes, when established behavior proves unproductive, and so forth. Likewise, animals might preferentially copy the dominant individual, the most successful individual, or a close relative. This chapter presents evidence for some of the better-studied learning heuristics and describes statistical procedures for identifying which social learning strategies are being deployed in a data set. It examines “who” strategies, which cover frequency-dependent biases, success biases, and kin and age biases, as well as “what” strategies, random copying, and statistical methods for detecting social learning strategies. Finally, it evaluates meta-strategies, best strategies, and hierarchical control.Less
This chapter focuses on social learning strategies—functional rules specifying what, when, and who to copy. There are many plausible social learning strategies. Individuals might disproportionately copy when asocial learning would be difficult or costly, when they are uncertain of what to do, when the environment changes, when established behavior proves unproductive, and so forth. Likewise, animals might preferentially copy the dominant individual, the most successful individual, or a close relative. This chapter presents evidence for some of the better-studied learning heuristics and describes statistical procedures for identifying which social learning strategies are being deployed in a data set. It examines “who” strategies, which cover frequency-dependent biases, success biases, and kin and age biases, as well as “what” strategies, random copying, and statistical methods for detecting social learning strategies. Finally, it evaluates meta-strategies, best strategies, and hierarchical control.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes research methods for investigating social learning in the laboratory. In recent decades laboratory experiments have been conducted to explore the population-level aspects of ...
More
This chapter describes research methods for investigating social learning in the laboratory. In recent decades laboratory experiments have been conducted to explore the population-level aspects of social transmission; an example is the investigation of aspects of tradition, diffusion, and innovation. This chapter discusses traditional social learning experimental designs, studies of linear transmission chains and replacement transmission chains, and controlled diffusion studies. It also considers some recent neuroscientific analyses of social learning, which extend the study of social learning beyond the behavioral level. In particular, it examines innovation, the biological bases of social learning, neuroendocrinological studies, social learning of fear, and neural mechanisms of observational learning.Less
This chapter describes research methods for investigating social learning in the laboratory. In recent decades laboratory experiments have been conducted to explore the population-level aspects of social transmission; an example is the investigation of aspects of tradition, diffusion, and innovation. This chapter discusses traditional social learning experimental designs, studies of linear transmission chains and replacement transmission chains, and controlled diffusion studies. It also considers some recent neuroscientific analyses of social learning, which extend the study of social learning beyond the behavioral level. In particular, it examines innovation, the biological bases of social learning, neuroendocrinological studies, social learning of fear, and neural mechanisms of observational learning.
Ádám Miklósi
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199295852
- eISBN:
- 9780191711688
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199295852.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
Recent interest in dog behaviour has been overwhelmed by questions on socio-cognitive abilities in this species. This chapter refers to such abilities in a broad sense, that is, it includes ...
More
Recent interest in dog behaviour has been overwhelmed by questions on socio-cognitive abilities in this species. This chapter refers to such abilities in a broad sense, that is, it includes aggressive and affiliative behaviours, in addition to various forms of interactions that occur among group mates such as communication, cooperation, play, and social learning. Most aspects of socio-cognitive behaviour are reviewed from an evolutionary perspective, suggesting that during evolution (domestication) dogs have changed patterns of social behaviour to adapt to living and surviving in the anthropogenic environment. It has been widely accepted that compared to wolves, dogs are at an advantage in showing attachment, complex communicative behaviours, or social learning skills when living in a human dominated environment; the same is true for cooperative abilities. In spite of this, there are many open questions how these traits are influenced by genetic (e.g., breeds) and environmental (e.g., socialization) factors.Less
Recent interest in dog behaviour has been overwhelmed by questions on socio-cognitive abilities in this species. This chapter refers to such abilities in a broad sense, that is, it includes aggressive and affiliative behaviours, in addition to various forms of interactions that occur among group mates such as communication, cooperation, play, and social learning. Most aspects of socio-cognitive behaviour are reviewed from an evolutionary perspective, suggesting that during evolution (domestication) dogs have changed patterns of social behaviour to adapt to living and surviving in the anthropogenic environment. It has been widely accepted that compared to wolves, dogs are at an advantage in showing attachment, complex communicative behaviours, or social learning skills when living in a human dominated environment; the same is true for cooperative abilities. In spite of this, there are many open questions how these traits are influenced by genetic (e.g., breeds) and environmental (e.g., socialization) factors.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This book explores social learning concepts and methods as well as new developments in the field. These methods include: experimental and statistical methods that allow researchers to categorize ...
More
This book explores social learning concepts and methods as well as new developments in the field. These methods include: experimental and statistical methods that allow researchers to categorize cases of social learning according to their underlying psychological processes and learning mechanisms; neuroscientific methods for identifying the brain structures, neural circuitry, and physiological processes underlying both social learning and social influences on decision making; and mathematical methods for predicting the pattern of diffusion of novel learned innovations, and for modeling cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution. This introductory chapter presents some definitions such as “social learning,” “imitation,” “innovation,” and “social transmission” and explains why social learning is an important field of study. It also provides an overview of the chapters that follow.Less
This book explores social learning concepts and methods as well as new developments in the field. These methods include: experimental and statistical methods that allow researchers to categorize cases of social learning according to their underlying psychological processes and learning mechanisms; neuroscientific methods for identifying the brain structures, neural circuitry, and physiological processes underlying both social learning and social influences on decision making; and mathematical methods for predicting the pattern of diffusion of novel learned innovations, and for modeling cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution. This introductory chapter presents some definitions such as “social learning,” “imitation,” “innovation,” and “social transmission” and explains why social learning is an important field of study. It also provides an overview of the chapters that follow.
Kaivan Munshi
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195305197
- eISBN:
- 9780199783519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195305191.003.0026
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The pervasiveness and persistence of nonmarket institutions in developing economies demand an explanation from economists. This essay describes what has been learned about these institutions: why ...
More
The pervasiveness and persistence of nonmarket institutions in developing economies demand an explanation from economists. This essay describes what has been learned about these institutions: why they emerge, why they persist, the inefficiencies that are associated with their presence, and how the presence of these institutions might affect the design of development policy. These institutions serve a useful purpose when markets function imperfectly. At the same time, the restrictions on individual behavior within these institutions may leave the community ill equipped to respond to a changing world. This, in turn, suggests a role for policy. How external interventions can help move the community out of its traditional equilibrium when the economic environment changes is discussed.Less
The pervasiveness and persistence of nonmarket institutions in developing economies demand an explanation from economists. This essay describes what has been learned about these institutions: why they emerge, why they persist, the inefficiencies that are associated with their presence, and how the presence of these institutions might affect the design of development policy. These institutions serve a useful purpose when markets function imperfectly. At the same time, the restrictions on individual behavior within these institutions may leave the community ill equipped to respond to a changing world. This, in turn, suggests a role for policy. How external interventions can help move the community out of its traditional equilibrium when the economic environment changes is discussed.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes a variety of approaches to modeling social learning, cultural evolution, and gene-culture coevolution. The model-building exercise typically starts with a set of assumptions ...
More
This chapter describes a variety of approaches to modeling social learning, cultural evolution, and gene-culture coevolution. The model-building exercise typically starts with a set of assumptions about the key processes to be explored, along with the nature of their relations. These assumptions are then translated into the mathematical expressions that constitute the model. The operation of the model is then investigated, normally using a combination of analytical mathematical techniques and simulation, to determine relevant outcomes, such as the equilibrium states or patterns of change over time. The chapter presents examples of the modeling of cultural transmission and considers parallels between cultural and biological evolution. It then discusses theoretical approaches to social learning and cultural evolution, including population-genetic style models of cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution, neutral models and random copying, social foraging theory, spatially explicit models, reaction-diffusion models, agent-based models, and phylogenetic models.Less
This chapter describes a variety of approaches to modeling social learning, cultural evolution, and gene-culture coevolution. The model-building exercise typically starts with a set of assumptions about the key processes to be explored, along with the nature of their relations. These assumptions are then translated into the mathematical expressions that constitute the model. The operation of the model is then investigated, normally using a combination of analytical mathematical techniques and simulation, to determine relevant outcomes, such as the equilibrium states or patterns of change over time. The chapter presents examples of the modeling of cultural transmission and considers parallels between cultural and biological evolution. It then discusses theoretical approaches to social learning and cultural evolution, including population-genetic style models of cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution, neutral models and random copying, social foraging theory, spatially explicit models, reaction-diffusion models, agent-based models, and phylogenetic models.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0002
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter provides a brief historical background to social learning research. The history of research into social learning and imitation dates back to Aristotle, who explicitly made the claim that ...
More
This chapter provides a brief historical background to social learning research. The history of research into social learning and imitation dates back to Aristotle, who explicitly made the claim that animals acquire behavior through imitation and other forms of social learning. Aristotle was particularly impressed with the human imitative tendency. The three insights made in the fourth century BC—that humans are uncharacteristically reliant on imitative learning compared to other animals, that young children in particular acquire important aspects of their behavioral repertoire through copying, and that imitation appears intrinsically rewarding to children—are remarkably relevant to contemporary social learning research. The chapter examines how investigations of social learning have been central to research into the evolution of mind, the mechanisms of social learning, animal culture, the diffusion of innovations, child development, and cultural evolution.Less
This chapter provides a brief historical background to social learning research. The history of research into social learning and imitation dates back to Aristotle, who explicitly made the claim that animals acquire behavior through imitation and other forms of social learning. Aristotle was particularly impressed with the human imitative tendency. The three insights made in the fourth century BC—that humans are uncharacteristically reliant on imitative learning compared to other animals, that young children in particular acquire important aspects of their behavioral repertoire through copying, and that imitation appears intrinsically rewarding to children—are remarkably relevant to contemporary social learning research. The chapter examines how investigations of social learning have been central to research into the evolution of mind, the mechanisms of social learning, animal culture, the diffusion of innovations, child development, and cultural evolution.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0005
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes statistical methods for inferring and quantifying social transmission in groups of animals in the wild, or in “captive” groups of animals in naturalistic social environments. ...
More
This chapter describes statistical methods for inferring and quantifying social transmission in groups of animals in the wild, or in “captive” groups of animals in naturalistic social environments. In particular, it considers techniques for analyzing time-structured data on the occurrence of a particular behavior pattern, or behavioral trait, in one or more groups. For the most part, the focus is on cases where a novel trait spreads through one or more groups. Following standard terminology in the field of social learning, the spread of a trait through a group is referred to as a diffusion, and the resulting data as diffusion data. The methods include diffusion curve analysis and network-based diffusion analysis. For the latter, inclusion of individual-level variables is taken into account, along with model selection and inference, modeling of multiple diffusions, choosing a social network, and “untransmitted” social effects. The chapter also examines the spatial spread of a behavioral trait.Less
This chapter describes statistical methods for inferring and quantifying social transmission in groups of animals in the wild, or in “captive” groups of animals in naturalistic social environments. In particular, it considers techniques for analyzing time-structured data on the occurrence of a particular behavior pattern, or behavioral trait, in one or more groups. For the most part, the focus is on cases where a novel trait spreads through one or more groups. Following standard terminology in the field of social learning, the spread of a trait through a group is referred to as a diffusion, and the resulting data as diffusion data. The methods include diffusion curve analysis and network-based diffusion analysis. For the latter, inclusion of individual-level variables is taken into account, along with model selection and inference, modeling of multiple diffusions, choosing a social network, and “untransmitted” social effects. The chapter also examines the spatial spread of a behavioral trait.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This chapter describes developmental methods for studying social learning. Developmental approaches can be broadly divided into two types. The first type includes approaches that involve collecting ...
More
This chapter describes developmental methods for studying social learning. Developmental approaches can be broadly divided into two types. The first type includes approaches that involve collecting observational data on the development of a trait and the opportunities that arise for social learning, as well as attempting to infer the role of social learning. The second consists of developmental methods that involve experimental manipulations. The chapter begins by discussing some of the methods that have been applied to observational data on the development of traits in order to elucidate the social influences on development. In particular, it considers approaches for describing the developmental process, modeling the probability of acquisition and time of acquisition, modeling the proficiency of trait performance, and modeling option choice. The chapter also evaluates the limitations of observational data and concludes with an overview of experimental manipulation methods, including diffusion experiments, manipulation of social experience, and translocation experiments.Less
This chapter describes developmental methods for studying social learning. Developmental approaches can be broadly divided into two types. The first type includes approaches that involve collecting observational data on the development of a trait and the opportunities that arise for social learning, as well as attempting to infer the role of social learning. The second consists of developmental methods that involve experimental manipulations. The chapter begins by discussing some of the methods that have been applied to observational data on the development of traits in order to elucidate the social influences on development. In particular, it considers approaches for describing the developmental process, modeling the probability of acquisition and time of acquisition, modeling the proficiency of trait performance, and modeling option choice. The chapter also evaluates the limitations of observational data and concludes with an overview of experimental manipulation methods, including diffusion experiments, manipulation of social experience, and translocation experiments.
Emily Boyd
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780197265536
- eISBN:
- 9780191760327
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265536.003.0020
- Subject:
- Political Science, Environmental Politics
Adaptive governance explains processes of reaction and social learning through leadership, experience, and experimentation. Much of this is set in frameworks of culture, power, social relations, ...
More
Adaptive governance explains processes of reaction and social learning through leadership, experience, and experimentation. Much of this is set in frameworks of culture, power, social relations, social justice, and vulnerability. Adaptive governance stipulates cooperative management, collective action to help prepare society, business, markets, and civil organizations for the characteristics of tipping points: convulsive and unpredictable change and outcomes, and huge uncertainty over the effectiveness of initial responses. Resilience comes about when resources are released by sudden events, or by social value shifts, leading to overall transformation. Examples are offered from drought in Amazonia and the Sahel and urban flooding in Mumbai. Adaptivity is neither easy nor assured and always unpredictable. Local to global institutional fits are required but often wanting. Yet resilience can be found even in the most adverse circumstances, so we need to discover more about its character and adaptiveness.Less
Adaptive governance explains processes of reaction and social learning through leadership, experience, and experimentation. Much of this is set in frameworks of culture, power, social relations, social justice, and vulnerability. Adaptive governance stipulates cooperative management, collective action to help prepare society, business, markets, and civil organizations for the characteristics of tipping points: convulsive and unpredictable change and outcomes, and huge uncertainty over the effectiveness of initial responses. Resilience comes about when resources are released by sudden events, or by social value shifts, leading to overall transformation. Examples are offered from drought in Amazonia and the Sahel and urban flooding in Mumbai. Adaptivity is neither easy nor assured and always unpredictable. Local to global institutional fits are required but often wanting. Yet resilience can be found even in the most adverse circumstances, so we need to discover more about its character and adaptiveness.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
Many animals, including humans, acquire valuable skills and knowledge by copying others. Scientists refer to this as social learning. It is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of ...
More
Many animals, including humans, acquire valuable skills and knowledge by copying others. Scientists refer to this as social learning. It is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of behavioral research and sits at the interface of many academic disciplines, including biology, experimental psychology, economics, and cognitive neuroscience. This book provides a comprehensive, practical guide to the research methods of this important emerging field. It defines the mechanisms thought to underlie social learning and demonstrate how to distinguish them experimentally in the laboratory. It presents techniques for detecting and quantifying social learning in nature, including statistical modeling of the spatial distribution of behavior traits. It also describes the latest theory and empirical findings on social learning strategies, and introduces readers to mathematical methods and models used in the study of cultural evolution. This book is an indispensable tool for researchers and an essential primer for students.Less
Many animals, including humans, acquire valuable skills and knowledge by copying others. Scientists refer to this as social learning. It is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of behavioral research and sits at the interface of many academic disciplines, including biology, experimental psychology, economics, and cognitive neuroscience. This book provides a comprehensive, practical guide to the research methods of this important emerging field. It defines the mechanisms thought to underlie social learning and demonstrate how to distinguish them experimentally in the laboratory. It presents techniques for detecting and quantifying social learning in nature, including statistical modeling of the spatial distribution of behavior traits. It also describes the latest theory and empirical findings on social learning strategies, and introduces readers to mathematical methods and models used in the study of cultural evolution. This book is an indispensable tool for researchers and an essential primer for students.
Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691182810
- eISBN:
- 9780691184470
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691182810.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter argues that that humans' ecological and demographic success may be a direct product of a heavy but highly discriminate reliance on social learning, particularly imitation. Imitation is ...
More
This chapter argues that that humans' ecological and demographic success may be a direct product of a heavy but highly discriminate reliance on social learning, particularly imitation. Imitation is far from the only form of social learning in which humans engage. Much information is acquired through direct instruction, or through subtler motivational or attentional processes, but imitation is unquestionably an important form of human social learning. This chapter shows how, even where social learning appears irrational and slavish, the copying is still discriminating. Children, for example, do not copy everything that they see and hear, but imitate strategically, according to a set of rules. Those rules might sometimes appear curious or even bizarre, but social learning researchers have made sense of them with the use of principles derived from evolutionary theory. Even though human children may be especially prepared by their evolutionary past to absorb what others tell them, and despite the fact that we are more culturally dependent than any other species on earth, we remain highly discriminating about what we copy.Less
This chapter argues that that humans' ecological and demographic success may be a direct product of a heavy but highly discriminate reliance on social learning, particularly imitation. Imitation is far from the only form of social learning in which humans engage. Much information is acquired through direct instruction, or through subtler motivational or attentional processes, but imitation is unquestionably an important form of human social learning. This chapter shows how, even where social learning appears irrational and slavish, the copying is still discriminating. Children, for example, do not copy everything that they see and hear, but imitate strategically, according to a set of rules. Those rules might sometimes appear curious or even bizarre, but social learning researchers have made sense of them with the use of principles derived from evolutionary theory. Even though human children may be especially prepared by their evolutionary past to absorb what others tell them, and despite the fact that we are more culturally dependent than any other species on earth, we remain highly discriminating about what we copy.
Yannis M. Ioannides
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691126852
- eISBN:
- 9781400845385
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691126852.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter discusses the theory and empirics of social interactions, with particular emphasis on the role of social context in individual decisions. It begins by introducing a sequence of models ...
More
This chapter discusses the theory and empirics of social interactions, with particular emphasis on the role of social context in individual decisions. It begins by introducing a sequence of models that highlight applications in different empirical social interaction settings, including a simple static model that is used to link social interactions theory with social networks theory, notably random graph theory. A dynamic model, where the social structure accommodates a variety of social interaction motives, is then described and solved as a dynamic system of evolving individual actions. The solution links social interactions theory with spatial econometrics. The chapter examines the econometrics of social interactions in social networks and social learning in urban settings before concluding with a review of the literature on social interactions in economics.Less
This chapter discusses the theory and empirics of social interactions, with particular emphasis on the role of social context in individual decisions. It begins by introducing a sequence of models that highlight applications in different empirical social interaction settings, including a simple static model that is used to link social interactions theory with social networks theory, notably random graph theory. A dynamic model, where the social structure accommodates a variety of social interaction motives, is then described and solved as a dynamic system of evolving individual actions. The solution links social interactions theory with spatial econometrics. The chapter examines the econometrics of social interactions in social networks and social learning in urban settings before concluding with a review of the literature on social interactions in economics.
Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691182810
- eISBN:
- 9780691184470
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691182810.003.0006
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter fleshes out the “cultural drive” hypothesis proposed by eminent scientist Allan Wilson. It first considers the question of exactly how social learning could drive brain evolution when ...
More
This chapter fleshes out the “cultural drive” hypothesis proposed by eminent scientist Allan Wilson. It first considers the question of exactly how social learning could drive brain evolution when some animals managed to copy with tiny brains. Greater specification of the feedback mechanism by which cultural processes fostered the evolution of cognition was required if the argument was to be compelling. Second, the chapter looks at how many variables (e.g., diet, social complexity, latitude) had been shown to be associated with brain size in primates. In order to evaluate the hypothesis that cultural processes had played a particularly central role in the evolution of the human mind, whether social learning was a genuine cause of brain evolution must first be established. Third, the chapter argues that talk of increases in “brain size” is rather simplistic. The brain is a complex organ with extensive substructure, and with particular features and circuitry known to be important to specific biological functions. How the brain had changed over evolutionary time, and whether the observed changes in size and structure were consistent with what the cultural drive hypothesis predicted, also had to be established.Less
This chapter fleshes out the “cultural drive” hypothesis proposed by eminent scientist Allan Wilson. It first considers the question of exactly how social learning could drive brain evolution when some animals managed to copy with tiny brains. Greater specification of the feedback mechanism by which cultural processes fostered the evolution of cognition was required if the argument was to be compelling. Second, the chapter looks at how many variables (e.g., diet, social complexity, latitude) had been shown to be associated with brain size in primates. In order to evaluate the hypothesis that cultural processes had played a particularly central role in the evolution of the human mind, whether social learning was a genuine cause of brain evolution must first be established. Third, the chapter argues that talk of increases in “brain size” is rather simplistic. The brain is a complex organ with extensive substructure, and with particular features and circuitry known to be important to specific biological functions. How the brain had changed over evolutionary time, and whether the observed changes in size and structure were consistent with what the cultural drive hypothesis predicted, also had to be established.
Hans‐Peter Kohler
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199244591
- eISBN:
- 9780191596544
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199244596.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Focuses on the role of social learning in contraceptive decision‐making, and it investigates the dynamics of word‐of‐mouth communication and knowledge diffusion under different assumptions about the ...
More
Focuses on the role of social learning in contraceptive decision‐making, and it investigates the dynamics of word‐of‐mouth communication and knowledge diffusion under different assumptions about the information conveyed in conversations. In particular, this chapter asks when social learning is consistent with the diversity of contraceptive patterns across communities and social strata that is frequently attributed to this process in empirical studies. The analysis suggests that regional diversity and social stratification arise because of informal or ‘imprecise’ conversations rather than in‐depth discussions about fertility control. The ability to learn from one's friends and neighbours is confounded because there is unobserved heterogeneity with respect to tastes and characteristics. Only if this heterogeneity is not completely revealed in conversations, is social learning consistent with the empirical observation of persistent diversity.Less
Focuses on the role of social learning in contraceptive decision‐making, and it investigates the dynamics of word‐of‐mouth communication and knowledge diffusion under different assumptions about the information conveyed in conversations. In particular, this chapter asks when social learning is consistent with the diversity of contraceptive patterns across communities and social strata that is frequently attributed to this process in empirical studies. The analysis suggests that regional diversity and social stratification arise because of informal or ‘imprecise’ conversations rather than in‐depth discussions about fertility control. The ability to learn from one's friends and neighbours is confounded because there is unobserved heterogeneity with respect to tastes and characteristics. Only if this heterogeneity is not completely revealed in conversations, is social learning consistent with the empirical observation of persistent diversity.
Hans‐Peter Kohler
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199244591
- eISBN:
- 9780191596544
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199244596.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Utilizes new data gathered in South Nyanza District, Kenya, that includes egocentric social networks and measures of contraceptive prevalence among friends and investigates whether social learning or ...
More
Utilizes new data gathered in South Nyanza District, Kenya, that includes egocentric social networks and measures of contraceptive prevalence among friends and investigates whether social learning or social influence constitutes the dominant mechanism through which social networks affect an individual's contraceptive decisions. This chapter argues that these mechanisms can be distinguished by analysing the density of the social network and its interaction with the proportion of contraceptive users among network partners. Our analyses indicate that in areas with high market activity, social learning is most relevant, whereas in regions with only modest market activity, social influence constitutes the dominant mechanism of how social networks affect women's contraceptive use. The chapter concludes with the development of a theoretical model of social interactions and fertility.Less
Utilizes new data gathered in South Nyanza District, Kenya, that includes egocentric social networks and measures of contraceptive prevalence among friends and investigates whether social learning or social influence constitutes the dominant mechanism through which social networks affect an individual's contraceptive decisions. This chapter argues that these mechanisms can be distinguished by analysing the density of the social network and its interaction with the proportion of contraceptive users among network partners. Our analyses indicate that in areas with high market activity, social learning is most relevant, whereas in regions with only modest market activity, social influence constitutes the dominant mechanism of how social networks affect women's contraceptive use. The chapter concludes with the development of a theoretical model of social interactions and fertility.
William Hoppitt and Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691150703
- eISBN:
- 9781400846504
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691150703.003.0010
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This concluding chapter summarizes the different social learning concepts and methods explored in the book, beginning with definitions of some key terms such as social learning, social transmission, ...
More
This concluding chapter summarizes the different social learning concepts and methods explored in the book, beginning with definitions of some key terms such as social learning, social transmission, imitation, and innovation. The book has discussed the history of social learning research, methods for studying social learning in the laboratory, social learning mechanisms, statistical methods for diffusion data, repertoire-based data, and developmental approaches. It has also examined social learning strategies and some of the mathematical models that can be applied to investigate social learning, cultural evolution, and gene-culture coevolution. A key emphasis throughout the book has been that mathematical and statistical modeling is at its most powerful when tightly integrated with empirical research.Less
This concluding chapter summarizes the different social learning concepts and methods explored in the book, beginning with definitions of some key terms such as social learning, social transmission, imitation, and innovation. The book has discussed the history of social learning research, methods for studying social learning in the laboratory, social learning mechanisms, statistical methods for diffusion data, repertoire-based data, and developmental approaches. It has also examined social learning strategies and some of the mathematical models that can be applied to investigate social learning, cultural evolution, and gene-culture coevolution. A key emphasis throughout the book has been that mathematical and statistical modeling is at its most powerful when tightly integrated with empirical research.
Kevin N. Laland
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691182810
- eISBN:
- 9780691184470
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691182810.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter describes a protracted program of experimental research conducted over 20 years that set out to comprehend a fascinating difference in the social learning of two closely related species ...
More
This chapter describes a protracted program of experimental research conducted over 20 years that set out to comprehend a fascinating difference in the social learning of two closely related species of sticklebacks. Extensive experimental data show that social learning and tradition play important roles in the behavioral development of countless fishes, most of which are highly social animals. Fish behavior is far from rigidly controlled by a “genetic program,” but rather is constantly and flexibly adjusted to exploit information and resources in the environment, including information provided by other fish. As such, the research is presented in detail to illustrate how a dedicated line of research using a flexible model system can provide valuable insights into more general issues related to the evolution of culture. The investigation also demonstrates how the science in this field is done. Scientific questions in this domain are rarely answered with a single experiment, but often require an extensive series of studies, each chipping away at the problem. Beginning as a curious anomaly, prolonged experimentation on the question developed into a wonderful glimpse at the bigger picture of how social learning evolves.Less
This chapter describes a protracted program of experimental research conducted over 20 years that set out to comprehend a fascinating difference in the social learning of two closely related species of sticklebacks. Extensive experimental data show that social learning and tradition play important roles in the behavioral development of countless fishes, most of which are highly social animals. Fish behavior is far from rigidly controlled by a “genetic program,” but rather is constantly and flexibly adjusted to exploit information and resources in the environment, including information provided by other fish. As such, the research is presented in detail to illustrate how a dedicated line of research using a flexible model system can provide valuable insights into more general issues related to the evolution of culture. The investigation also demonstrates how the science in this field is done. Scientific questions in this domain are rarely answered with a single experiment, but often require an extensive series of studies, each chipping away at the problem. Beginning as a curious anomaly, prolonged experimentation on the question developed into a wonderful glimpse at the bigger picture of how social learning evolves.
Richard McElreath, Annika Wallin, and Barbara Fasolo
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780195388435
- eISBN:
- 9780199950089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388435.003.0014
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
The field of evolutionary ecology has long been interested in the design and diversity of social learning heuristics, simple strategies that animals use to extract useful information from their ...
More
The field of evolutionary ecology has long been interested in the design and diversity of social learning heuristics, simple strategies that animals use to extract useful information from their social environment. This chapter reviews a slice of this literature, as well as explicitly analyze the evolution of social learning heuristics. The chapter outlines a family of social learning heuristics and analyze their evolutionary performance under two broadly different kinds of environmental variation. As each social learning heuristic also shapes a social environment as individuals use it, the chapter considers the population feedbacks of each heuristic as well. The analyses in this chapter are both ecological and game theoretic. This chapter's analyses are also explicitly evolutionary—heuristics succeed or fail depending upon long-term survival and reproduction in a population, not atomistic one-shot payoffs. As a result, some of the conclusions reflect an evolutionary rationality. For example, heuristics that randomize their behavior can succeed where those that are consistent fail. Overall, however, the approach the chapter reviews here supports the general conclusion that social learning heuristics are likely to be multiple and subtly adapted to different physical, statistical, and social environments.Less
The field of evolutionary ecology has long been interested in the design and diversity of social learning heuristics, simple strategies that animals use to extract useful information from their social environment. This chapter reviews a slice of this literature, as well as explicitly analyze the evolution of social learning heuristics. The chapter outlines a family of social learning heuristics and analyze their evolutionary performance under two broadly different kinds of environmental variation. As each social learning heuristic also shapes a social environment as individuals use it, the chapter considers the population feedbacks of each heuristic as well. The analyses in this chapter are both ecological and game theoretic. This chapter's analyses are also explicitly evolutionary—heuristics succeed or fail depending upon long-term survival and reproduction in a population, not atomistic one-shot payoffs. As a result, some of the conclusions reflect an evolutionary rationality. For example, heuristics that randomize their behavior can succeed where those that are consistent fail. Overall, however, the approach the chapter reviews here supports the general conclusion that social learning heuristics are likely to be multiple and subtly adapted to different physical, statistical, and social environments.
