Cognitive Archaeology, Body Cognition, and the Evolution of Visuospatial Perception

Cognitive Archaeology, Body Cognition, and the Evolution of Visuospatial Perception provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the evolution of visuospatial ability in humans, bridging evolutionary anthropology and neurobiology. It explores how body perception and spatial sensing may have evolved, including touch, haptics, peripersonal space, parietal lobe evolution, somatosensory integration, neuroarchaeology, visual behavior, attention, and psychometrics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 324 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

Cognitive archaeology, body cognition, and the evolution of visuospatial perception provide a multidisciplinary and comprehensive perspective on the evolution of the visuospatial ability in the human genus. It presents current topics in cognitive sciences and prehistoric archaeology to provide a bridge between evolutionary anthropology and neurobiology. This book explores how body perception and spatial sensing may have evolved in humans to enhance a "prosthetic capacity" able to integrate the brain, body, and technological elements into a single functional system. It includes chapters on touch and haptics, peripersonal space, parietal lobe evolution, somatosensory integration, neuroarchaeology, visual behavior, attention, and psychometrics. Cognitive archaeology, body cognition, and the evolution of visuospatial perception represent an essential resource for evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and neuroscientists interested in the role of body perception and spatial ability in human cognition.

Introduction:
Cognitive archaeology, body cognition, and the evolution of visuospatial perception offer a multidisciplinary and comprehensive perspective on the evolution of the visuospatial ability in the human genus. It presents current topics in cognitive sciences and prehistoric archaeology to provide a bridge between evolutionary anthropology and neurobiology. This book explores how body perception and spatial sensing may have evolved in humans to enhance a "prosthetic capacity" able to integrate the brain, body, and technological elements into a single functional system. It includes chapters on touch and haptics, peripersonal space, parietal lobe evolution, somatosensory integration, neuroarchaeology, visual behavior, attention, and psychometrics. Cognitive archaeology, body cognition, and the evolution of visuospatial perception represent an essential resource for evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and neuroscientists interested in the role of body perception and spatial ability in human cognition.

Body Perception and Spatial Sensing:
The book explores how body perception and spatial sensing may have evolved in humans to enhance a "prosthetic capacity" able to integrate the brain, body, and technological elements into a single functional system. It examines the evolution of touch and haptics, peripersonal space, and the parietal lobe, which are essential for spatial perception and navigation. The author also discusses somatosensory integration, neuroarchaeology, visual behavior, attention, and psychometrics, which are important for understanding the cognitive processes involved in visuospatial perception.

Touch and Haptics:
The chapter on touch and haptics explores how the sense of touch has evolved in humans and how it contributes to our perception of the world. It discusses the development of different types of touch receptors, the role of haptic feedback in motor control, and the impact of touch on social communication and emotional processing. The author also discusses the use of haptic technology in various fields, such as medicine, entertainment, and education.

Peripersonal Space:
The chapter on peripersonal space explores how humans perceive and navigate their immediate environment. It discusses the development of spatial awareness, the use of landmarks and landmarks, and the role of vision in peripersonal space perception. The author also discusses the impact of cultural and environmental factors on peripersonal space perception and navigation.

Parietal Lobe Evolution:
The chapter on parietal lobe evolution explores how the parietal lobe has evolved in humans and how it contributes to our ability to perceive and manipulate objects in the world. It discusses the development of spatial representation, the role of the parietal lobe in visual perception, and the impact of parietal lobe damage on visuospatial abilities. The author also discusses the use of neuroimaging techniques to study the parietal lobe and its role in visuospatial perception.

Somatosensory Integration:
The chapter on somatosensory integration explores how the sensory systems of the body are integrated to provide a unified perception of the world. It discusses the development of sensory maps, the role of sensory feedback in motor control, and the impact of sensory integration on cognitive processes such as attention and decision-making. The author also discusses the use of sensory integration therapies in treating disorders such as autism and PTSD.

Neuroarchaeology:
The chapter on neuroarchaeology explores how the study of the brain can provide insights into the evolution of human cognitive abilities. It discusses the development of brain size and structure, the evolution of cognitive functions, and the impact of brain damage on cognitive abilities. The author also discusses the use of neuroimaging techniques to study the brain and its role in visuospatial perception.

Visual Behavior:
The chapter on visual behavior explores how visual perception and behavior are influenced by cultural and environmental factors. It discusses the development of visual acuity, the role of vision in social communication and navigation, and the impact of visual perception on decision-making and behavior. The author also discusses the use of visual perception in art and design.

Attention and Psychometrics:
The chapter on attention and psychometrics explores how attention and cognitive processes are influenced by cultural and environmental factors. It discusses the development of attentional systems, the role of attention in cognitive performance, and the impact of attention on decision-making and behavior. The author also discusses the use of attentional training techniques in improving cognitive performance.

Conclusion:
Cognitive archaeology, body cognition, and the evolution of visuospatial perception provide a rich and interdisciplinary perspective on the evolution of human cognitive abilities. By exploring the relationship between body perception and spatial sensing, evolutionary biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and neuroscientists can gain a deeper understanding of the role of body perception and spatial ability in human cognition. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the evolution of human cognitive abilities and the role of body perception and spatial ability in human evolution.

Weight: 678g
Dimension: 191 x 235 x 114 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323991933