PSYC14H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Imitative Learning, Encephalization Quotient, Neocortex
Document Summary
Humans and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor approximately 5 to 7 million years ago. No because when it comes to circularity (are humans unique in being able to learn information from other members of their species through social transmission?) a lot of animal specie learn from each other. But humans are unique with symbolic coding (having a set of signals, icons, and words that refer to something else that most members of that culture recognize) Humans do seem to stand out in contrast to other animals in the extent of their cultural learning skills. Although many species of animals have been shown to be able to learn cultural information, none of the nonhuman species seem to be very good at it. Many aspects of human cultures are shared by nearly every member of the culture. Humans seem to be unique among other species in whom they choose to imitate.
