Mental attention, not language, may explain evolutionary growth of human intelligence and brain size

Behavioral and Brain Sciences 29 (1):19-20 (2006)
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Abstract

Using neoPiagetian theory of mental attention (or working memory), I task-analyze two complex performances of great apes and one symbolic performance (funeral burials) of early Homo sapiens. Relating results to brain size growth data, I derive estimates of mental attention for great apes, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and modern Homo sapiens, and use children's cognitive development as reference. This heuristic model seems consistent with research.

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10.1017/s0140525x06299011

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