Journal of Cultural and Evolutionary Psychology
Volume/Issue:
Volume 2: Issue 3-4
Social Cognition as a Constraint on Social Interaction
Author:
I. M. Robin DunbarBritish Academy Please ask the editor of the journal.

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Pages:
181–194
Online Publication Date:
22 Jul 2005
Publication Date:
01 Nov 2004
Article Category:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1556/jcep.2.2004.3-4.1
Keywords:
neocortex; neocortex; group size; intentionality; theory of mind; social skill
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The social brain hypothesis offers an explanation for why primates should (a) have larger brains than other species and (b) differ so strikingly in terms of their cognitive abilities. In this chapter, I outline the social brain hypothesis and some of the evidence that has been adduced to support it, and then explore the extent to which possible cognitive constraints arising from brain volume might limit human social behaviour. I explore two particular aspects of human behaviour: the dynamics of conversation groups and social network size. Two conclusions are suggested by studies that we have undertaken. One is that there is a relationship between an individual's ability to cope with the extended layers of intentional tasks and the size of their social network. The other is that the hierarchical structure of our social networks, consisting of a series of expanding circles containing progressively more individuals, is a function of both the emotional intensity of relationships and the frequency of interaction.

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Cover Journal of Cultural and Evolutionary Psychology
Journal of Cultural and Evolutionary Psychology
Print ISSN:
1589-7397
Online ISSN:
1589-5254

Journal of Cultural and Evolutionary Psychology
Language English
Size  
Year of
Foundation		 2003
Publication
Programme		 changed title
Volumes
per Year		  
Issues
per Year		  
Founder Akadémiai Kiadó
Founder's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Publisher's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Responsible
Publisher		 Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 1589-5254 (Print)
ISSN 1589-7397 (Online)

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