Cognitive archaeology, attention, and visual behavior

Silva‐Gago, María; Bruner, Emiliano

doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-99193-3.00013-1

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…In any case, regions with high visual saliency ( c ; in red) do not capture visual attention, which is instead driven axially ( d ; red). Redrawn after Silva-Gago and Bruner ( 2023 ).…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive Archeology and the Attentional System: An Evolutionary Mismatch for the Genus Homo

Bruner

2023

J. Intell.

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Brain evolution is a key topic in evolutionary anthropology. Unfortunately, in this sense the fossil record can usually support limited anatomical and behavioral inferences. Nonetheless, information from fossil species is, in any case, particularly valuable, because it represents the only direct proof of cerebral and behavioral changes throughout the human phylogeny. Recently, archeology and psychology have been integrated in the field of cognitive archeology, which aims to interpret current cognitive models according to the evidence we have on extinct human species. In this article, such evidence is reviewed in order to consider whether and to what extent the archeological record can supply information regarding changes of the attentional system in different taxa of the human genus. In particular, behavioral correlates associated with the fronto-parietal system and working memory are employed to consider recent changes in our species, Homo sapiens, and a mismatch between attentional and visuospatial ability is hypothesized. These two functional systems support present-moment awareness and mind-wandering, respectively, and their evolutionary unbalance can explain a structural sensitivity to psychological distress in our species.

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“…In any case, regions with high visual saliency ( c ; in red) do not capture visual attention, which is instead driven axially ( d ; red). Redrawn after Silva-Gago and Bruner ( 2023 ).…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive Archeology and the Attentional System: An Evolutionary Mismatch for the Genus Homo

Bruner

2023

J. Intell.

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Cognitive archaeology, and the psychological assessment of extinct minds

Bruner

2024

J of Comparative Neurology

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Evolutionary anthropology relies on both neontological and paleontological information. In the latter case, fields such as paleoneurology, neuroarchaeology, and cognitive archaeology are supplying new perspectives in prehistory and neuroscience. Cognitive archaeology, in particular, investigates the behaviors associated with extinct species or cultures according to specific psychological models. For example, changes in working memory, attention, or visuospatial integration can be postulated when related behavioral changes are described in the archaeological record. However, cognition is a process based on different and partially independent functional elements, and extinct species could hence have evolved distinct combinations of cognitive abilities or features, based on both quantitative and qualitative differences. Accordingly, differences in working memory can lead to more conceptual or more holistic mindsets, with important changes in the perception and management of the mental experience. The parietal cortex is particularly interesting, in this sense, being involved in functions associated with body–tool integration, attention, and visual imaging. In some cases, evolutionary mismatches among these elements can induce drawbacks that, despite their positive effects on natural selection, can introduce important constraints in our own mental skills. Beyond the theoretical background, some hypotheses can be tested following methods in experimental psychology. In any case, theories in cognitive evolution must acknowledge that, beyond the brain and its biology, the human mind is also deeply rooted in body perception, in social networks, and in technological extension.

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Cognitive archaeology, attention, and visual behavior

Cited by 2 publications

References 169 publications

Cognitive Archeology and the Attentional System: An Evolutionary Mismatch for the Genus Homo

Cognitive Archeology and the Attentional System: An Evolutionary Mismatch for the Genus Homo

Cognitive archaeology, and the psychological assessment of extinct minds

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