The Evolution of Domain-General Mechanisms in Intelligence and Learning

doi:10.3200/GENP.132.1.5-40

Paper

The Evolution of Domain-General Mechanisms in Intelligence and Learning

Published Jan 1, 2005 · D. Chiappe, Kevin Macdonald

The Journal of General Psychology

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175

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9

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Abstract

For both humans and animals, domain-general mechanisms are fallible but powerful tools for attaining evolutionary goals (e.g., resources) in uncertain, novel environments that were not recurrent features of the environment of evolutionary adaptedness. Domain-general mechanisms interact in complex ways with domain-specific, information-encapsulated modules, most importantly by manipulating information obtained from various modules in attempting to solve novel problems. Mechanisms of general intelligence, particularly the executive functions of working memory, underlie analogical reasoning as well as the decontextualization processes that are central to human thought. Although there is a variety of evolved, special purpose learning devices, learning is also characterized by domain-general mechanisms that are able to achieve evolutionary goals by making novel and serendipitous associations with environmental cues.

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Study Snapshot

Key takeawayDomain-general mechanisms in intelligence and learning are powerful tools for achieving evolutionary goals in uncertain, novel environments by making novel associations with environmental cues.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

The Evolution of Domain-General Mechanisms in Intelligence and Learning

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