Methods of Evolutionary Sciences

Abstract

This chapter covers fundamental principles and concepts that have anchored research methods in the social and behavioral sciences for decades. It hasthree overarching themes. The first theme is that,in order to provide stronger and more definitive tests of theories, multiple research methods and outcome measures must be used to test alternate models within ongoing programs of evolutionary research. The second theme is that there has been an overreliance on certain research methods (e.g., correlational approaches) and certain measures (e.g., self‐reports) that has,at times, impeded the rigorous testing of certain evolutionary‐based phenomena or has not allowed investigators to determine whether the results predicted by evolutionary theories fit observed data better than competing theories. The third organizing theme is the need to test and provide better evidence for the “special design” properties of psychological adaptations. A multimethod/multimeasure approach can help researchers provide better and stronger evidence for the “special design” features of certain evolved traits, behaviors, or characteristics in humans.

Matrix Thinking: An Adaptation at the Foundation of Human Science, Religion, and Art

“…We find support for the adaptive nature of Matrix Thinking in its pervasiveness, flexibility, internal coherence and complexity, ubiquity in all human populations, the ease with which it is acquired by children, and its antiquity in the deepening archaeological record in Africa. Matrix Thinking has, upon close inspection (in this article's sequel), that important mark of “special design,” which characterizes true adaptations (Simpson and Campbell , 126). Eventually, we believe that cognitive facilities such as Matrix Thinking will be associated with specific genes and gene combinations, such as the HAR1 gene (linked to cerebral cortex development), the ASPM gene (linked to brain size evolution), and the FOXP2 (linked to speech organ development).…”