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.

Hypothesis

The collaborative cognition model of ethnoscientific expertise predicts narrow specialization, knowledge distribution, and collaboration and teaching by experts.

Note

This model was not significantly associated with any knowledge domains. The anti-collaborative cognition model had support of 13.1%.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Generalized linear mixed effects modelSupport claimedfixed-effect intercept: 25.6%UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Knowledge DistributionDependentTalent Mobility
Narrow SpecializationDependentNONE
Teaching by ExpertsDependentNONE
Collaboration by ExpertsDependentNONE
Collaborative Cognition ModelIndependentNONE

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Lightner, Aaron D.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.
Lightner, Aaron D.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.
Lightner, Aaron D.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.
Lightner, Aaron D.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.
Munroe, Robert L.Cold-climate societies, in contrast to warm-climate societies, will have more valid ethnozoological owl knowledge than warm-climate societies.