Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a unique perspective on the evolution of human cognition. On the one hand, cognitive psychology has had a rich history of developing descriptions of human mental processes and their organization, placing them in an information processing framework covering inputs, outputs, and all the processes in between. On the other hand, evolutionary scientists have developed a large literature using fossils, artifacts, and comparisons between species to explore the evolution of such processes. Unlike biology courses, nearly every one of which is permeated by evolutionary background, most psychology courses have developed for decades with hardly a nod to evolution. Pedagogical mileage will likely vary, particularly with the nature of the course. The book outlines inputs and outputs, including the mechanical, chemical, and visual senses, and postural, hand, and leg movements.