Social Learning – An Introduction to Mechanisms, Methods, and Models

"The recent explosion of theoretical developments and methodologies in the study of social learning and the evolution of culture has resulted in a daunting accumulation of new terms, definitions, and analytical techniques. Hoppitt and Laland, both leaders in this field, have taken up the challenge of integrating all of this information from multiple disciplines into a single volume, designed to aid researchers and students in evaluating and advancing the current state of the field."--Susan Perry, coeditor of The Biology of Traditions

"Hoppitt and Laland's book provides a coherent synthesis that is long overdue. Comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible, Social Learning is a must-read for students embarking on a social learning research project and for anyone seeking mastery of the subject, from historical considerations to strategic models of social information use."--Luc-Alain Giraldeau, coauthor of Social Foraging Theory

"This book is a very valuable contribution to the field of social learning. I applaud Hoppitt and Laland for compiling such a wealth of information. Social Learning promises to become a standard reference work."--Stefano Ghirlanda, coauthor of Neural Networks and Animal Behavior

"This excellent book provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and concepts used in social learning research, and also represents a rich source of information about many of the empirical findings available in the literature. It will be useful to both specialists and nonspecialists interested in social learning. I know of no other book like this."--Josep Call, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology