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Cognitive and evolutionary foundations of culture and belief

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posted on 2022-03-28, 23:35 authored by Robert Malcolm Ross
This thesis explores topical issues in human culture and belief using tools afforded by cognitive psychology and evolutionary theory. Chapter 1 outlines the specific topics examined in this thesis. Chapter 2 presents a meta-analysis that examines the association between delusional ideation and data gathering in the “beads task” paradigm. Chapter 3 presents a behavioural study that examines the extent to which analytic cognitive style and delusional ideation independently predict data gathering in the “beads task” paradigm. Chapter 4 presents a behavioural study of belief formation using the “allergist” associative learning paradigm. Chapter 5 presents an analysis of the evolution of European folktales using methods from population genetics to examine cultural evolution in large, modern societies. Chapter 6 presents a discussion of the importance of taking a geographically explicit approach to the analysis of cross-cultural data. Chapter 7 presents an analysis of the evolution of Arctic folktales using methods from population genetics to examine cultural evolution in small, traditional societies. Chapter 8 presents a general conclusion that summarises the contribution that this thesis makes to our understanding of culture and belief.

History

Notes

Theoretical thesis. Includes bibliographical references

Awarding Institution

Macquarie University

Degree Type

Thesis PhD

Degree

PhD, Macquarie University, Faculty of Human Sciences, Department of Cognitive Science

Department, Centre or School

Department of Cognitive Science

Year of Award

2015

Principal Supervisor

Robyn Langdon

Additional Supervisor 1

Max Coltheart

Additional Supervisor 2

Ryan McKay

Rights

Copyright Robert Malcolm Ross 2015. Copyright disclaimer: http://www.copyright.mq.edu.au

Language

English

Extent

1 online resource (v, 223, 3 pages) colour maps

Former Identifiers

mq:44501 http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1069773

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