Individual-Based Models of Cultural Evolution: A Step-by-Step Guide Using R

Individual-Based Models of Cultural Evolution is a book that teaches readers how to create individual-based models of cultural evolution using the programming language R. It provides example code in R for readers to run their own models, moving from simple to advanced topics, and requires no previous knowledge of the field. It is an essential resource for researchers and students interested in cultural evolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The field of cultural evolution has gained significant momentum in recent decades, as researchers seek to understand cultural change and diversity within an evolutionary framework. This interdisciplinary endeavor draws upon evolutionary tools, concepts, and methods to explore the dynamics of cultural processes. While much of cultural evolution is rooted in formal models, there is a growing interest among researchers from diverse backgrounds, such as psychology, anthropology, and archaeology, who lack formal modeling training. This book aims to bridge that gap by providing example code in the programming language R for readers to create their own individual-based models of cultural evolution.

Starting from simple models that capture the basic processes of cultural evolution, such as biased transmission and cultural mutation, the book progresses to more advanced topics such as the evolution of social learning, demographic effects, and social network analysis. Key features of this book include:

Recreation of existing models in the literature: The book provides detailed explanations of how these models were created, enabling readers to gain a deeper understanding of their significance and how to apply them to their own research questions.

Full R code: The book offers comprehensive R code that readers can use to realize models, analyze and plot outputs, with line-by-line analysis to facilitate understanding and replication of the results.

No prior knowledge of cultural evolution is required: The book assumes only very basic programming knowledge, making it accessible to researchers and students from various disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, archaeology, biology, sociology, and digital humanities.

In conclusion, this book is an essential resource for researchers and students interested in cultural evolution. By offering practical guidance, hands-on guidance, and a comprehensive understanding of individual-based models of cultural evolution, it empowers readers to contribute to this rapidly evolving field and explore the rich tapestry of cultural diversity and change within an evolutionary framework.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032252063