The neural correlates of skill transmission: An fMRI study

Abstract

Studies on cumulative cultural evolution and cultural transmission typically focus on the changes in performance or potential improvements as a result of skill learning. Although there is great interest in the human brain and the evolution of technology, the neural foundation of the cultural transmission of these technologies remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the neural networks for skill transmission from a neuroarcheological perspective. This study combined a transmission chain paradigm with functional fMRI to investigate how an acquired skill, in this case knot tying, was passed along chains to mimic the process of cumulative cultural evolution using cultural transmission. Results show that learning and tying knots were associated with several sensorimotor systems. Across subjects, knot tying compared to control condition was associated with activation in left, superior parietal lobule, left superior occipital gyrus and left intraparietal sulcus. When comparing activation associated with learning and tying the first knot and the last knot, shifts in activation attributed to the effects of learning were demonstrated. It was concluded that the human capacities for sensorimotor adaptation are important factors in the evolution of human technologies.