Human brain activity during stone tool production

Abstract

There were many others whose contributions aided in the completion of this dissertation. Alexander Woods served as my expert flintknapper for the instruction videos that were shown to the study participants. The other members of my committee,including Daniel Tranel, Nicholas Toth, James Enloe, Russell Ciochon, and Andrew Kitchen, provided helpful feedback on my prospectus, comprehensive exams, and iv dissertation. Thomas Wynn also took the time to read and make suggestions for Chapter 2. Many students devoted their time to assisting with data collection and ensuring that the study ran smoothly:

Beyond the genus stereotype. Who were the first toolmarkers in Africa? Crossed views between archaeology and anatomy

“…During these experimental studies, the subjects could have different levels of expertise (novices, learning, experts). The subjects could watch videos (Stout et al, 2015, using the fMRI method) or produce stone tools (Stout et al 2000, Stout et al 2008, Stout and Chaminade, 2007Putt 2016, Putt et al, 2017. According to Stout et al (2015), prefrontal responses are greater in Acheulean as opposed to Oldowan tool-making.…”

“…The main difference between Oldowan and Acheulean tasks is that Oldowan tool-making relies on the coordination of visual attention and motor control (motor and sensorimotor areas) (Stout et al 2000). In contrast, according to Putt, Acheulean tool-making requires the integration of higher order motor planning, the working memory and auditory feedback mechanisms (Putt 2016, Putt et al, 2017. In order to examine the relationship between stone tool-making and brain function, Stout et al, (2000) and Stout and Chaminade (2007) developed an exploratory study using Position Emission Tomography (FDG-PET).…”