Cognitive culture: theoretical and empirical insights into social learning strategies

Luke Rendell; Laurel Fogarty; William J E Hoppitt; Thomas J H Morgan; Mike M Webster; Kevin N Laland

doi:10.1016/j.tics.2010.12.002

Cognitive culture: theoretical and empirical insights into social learning strategies

Trends Cogn Sci. 2011 Feb;15(2):68-76. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2010.12.002. Epub 2011 Jan 6.

Authors

Luke Rendell¹, Laurel Fogarty, William J E Hoppitt, Thomas J H Morgan, Mike M Webster, Kevin N Laland

Affiliation

¹ Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Bute Medical Building, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, UK. [email protected]

PMID: 21215677
DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2010.12.002

Abstract

Research into social learning (learning from others) has expanded significantly in recent years, not least because of productive interactions between theoretical and empirical approaches. This has been coupled with a new emphasis on learning strategies, which places social learning within a cognitive decision-making framework. Understanding when, how and why individuals learn from others is a significant challenge, but one that is critical to numerous fields in multiple academic disciplines, including the study of social cognition.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Cultural Evolution*
Humans
Imitative Behavior*
Learning*
Models, Psychological
Psychological Theory
Social Facilitation*