Ethnoscientific expertise and knowledge specialisation in 55 traditional cultures

Evolutionary Human Sciences • Vol/Iss. 3(e37) • Cambridge University Press • • Published In • Pages: 1-28 •
By Lightner, Aaron D., Heckelsmiller, Cynthiann, Hagen, Edward H.

Abstract

The authors of this exploratory study tested predictions from five different theoretical models for the evolution of ethnoscientific expertise. They claim support for three of the models. They then compared cultural variables and their five models to three different knowledge domains: conceptual (unable to be easily observed), motor (easily observable), and medicinal. Their results indicate that their cultural transmission model is associated with the motor knowledge domain and that their proprietary knowledge model is associated with the medicinal knowledge domain.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Probability Sample Files (PSF)Combination

Hypotheses (5)

HypothesisSupported
The collaborative cognition model of ethnoscientific expertise predicts narrow specialization, knowledge distribution, and collaboration and teaching by experts.Support claimed
The proprietary knowledge model of ethnoscientific expertise predicts assistance with uncommon or serious problems, knowledge distribution, experts having reputations for and patrons because of efficacy, evidence of success, receipt of payment, narrow knowledge domain, possession of secretive knowledge, care about reputation, competition between experts, and purchase of knowledge.Support claimed
The cultural transmission model of ethnoscientific expertise predicts reputation for efficacy and generosity, hierarchy within domains of expertise, widespread knowledge domain, teaching by experts, prestige, assistance with common problems, influence outside areas of expertise, deference to experts, and others seeking proximity to experts.Support claimed
The honest signaling model of ethnoscientific expertise predicts hierarchies within domains of expertise, prestige, public performances, costly lifestyles, rituals, and initiations, competition between experts, ornamentation, charismatic personalities, intelligence, multiple mates, better mate access for experts, and experts being sexually attractive.Support not claimed
The mate provisioning model of ethnoscientific expertise predicts hierarchies within domains of expertise, prestige, parental investment, reputation for generosity and good parenting, wealth, mate provisioning, and mate fidelity.Support not claimed
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: anj.droe