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: Hardback
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, including social learning, demographic effects, and social network analysis. Each chapter recreates existing models in the literature, providing detailed explanations of how they were created and their significance. The book also includes comprehensive R code that enables readers to implement and analyze these models, with line-by-line analysis to facilitate understanding.

One of the key features of this book is its accessibility to researchers and students with varying levels of expertise in cultural evolution. It does not require prior knowledge of the field, and only basic programming knowledge is required. The book is designed to be a valuable resource for those interested in cultural evolution, including disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, archaeology, biology, sociology, and digital humanities.

By offering practical guidance and code, this book empowers readers to explore the complexities of cultural evolution and contribute to our understanding of the rich tapestry of human culture. It serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of computational tools to advance our knowledge of the world.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032252070