ISSN:
0032-8332
Keywords:
Cultural transmission
;
Social learning
;
Learning curve
;
Logistic
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Cultural transmission implies the rapid spread of behavioural innovations when initially naïve individuals copy more informed ones. Mathematical models of transmission feature accelerating (and in most cases, logistic) rates of learning as animals that acquire an innovation provide ever increasing numbers of informers for potential learners. Conversely, non-accelerating rates have been proposed as a null hypothesis for apparent cases of cultural transmission that can best be explained by simpler mechanisms such as trial-and-error learning. Using the AIC technique for comparing models with different numbers of parameters, this paper examines the 21 cases in the primate literature where quantifiable data are available on learning rates for presumed culturally-transmitted feeding innovations. In each case, cumulative distributions over time of the frequency or proportion of individuals that acquire an innovation are compared with three accelerating functions (logistic, positive exponential, and hyperbolic sine) and two non-accelerating ones (linear and logarithmic). In 16 cases, the best fit is given by an accelerating function: nine of these support the logistic, four support the positive exponential and three, the reverse S-shaped hyperbolic sine. Individual cases often show small differences between alternative functions, but overall trends support the cultural assumption of accelerating learning rates.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02381348
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