cultural evolution Flashcards
define cultural evolution
the ability to adapt to changes in the environment, utilising our genetically evolved capacity for learning and language.
Define genetic evolution
only “vertical transmission”- inheritance from parent to offspring
what is the difference between cultural evolution and genetic evolution?
Cultural evolution enables both “vertical and “horizontal” transmission, learning by offspring from parents but also from peers leaders.
why has cultural evolution increased in recent years?
the speed of cultural evolution in recent years is likely linked to enhanced global communication- useful adaptions are communicated and learnt quickly
how does genetic and cultural co-evolution effect development of skills?
Culture-specific tool characteristics reflect separate cultural evolution of tool making skills in different groups, more complex and standardised tools were used by late Homo erectus / early Homo sapiens. May have co-occurred with development in language ability
what is proto-writing?
symbols represent entitles but without link to language
what led to the cultural evolution of writing?
spoken language, combined with intellect
what is neuronal recycling?
Culturally acquired skills use evolutionarily older brain circuits
what is cross-cultural psychology?
the scientific study of how cultural factors influence human behavior and mental processes
what are the three goals for cross-cultural psychology?
- Check hypotheses and conclusions from western research on new cultural settings; Test applicability
- Explore other cultures and whether there are behaviour patterns and individual differences not seen in own culture
- Integrate and assemble findings to develop a universal psychology
what is colour categorisation?
the ensembles of colours that we identify with a colour term
examples of cultural differences in thought and behaviour
- Colour categorisation
- The experience of the psychological disorders
What did Davidoff (2004) investigate?
Language effects the perceived similarity of perceptual stimuli. English speakers could classify colour patches into green and blue groups. Berinmo speakers had no clear appreciation of green and blue categories (they have the same word for green and blue colours). The opposite was shown for colours that the Berinmo distinguish between in language and English speakers do not.
how is the experience of psychological disorders different culturally?
Culture-specific subjective experience (knowledge of psychological problems). Culture-specific idioms of distress
o Symptoms expressed according to cultural rules
o Culture-specific diagnoses
o Culture-specific treatment
