My research focuses on cultural evolution and the cognitive mechanisms underlying it in both humans and non-human primates. During my PhD, I studied behavioural flexibility and social tolerance in chimpanzees, using artificial foraging tasks, as well as studying mechanisms of social transmission in four- to eight-year-old children. In addition to this research, I collaborated with colleagues to study model-biases in children’s social learning.
For my current postdoctoral project, I am investigating social learning strategies in humans, by adapting experimental procedures used with wild vervet monkeys for use with both children and adults. This comparative approach will allow us to make inferences about the evolution and function of social learning strategies.
Website: www.rachelaharrison.com
2019 -
University of Lausanne - Postdoctoral Researcher.
2017 – 2018
University of Birmingham - Research Associate.
2013 – 2018
University of St Andrews – PhD, Psychology.
Supervisor: Professor Andrew Whiten
Thesis title: ‘Experimental studies of behavioural flexibility and cultural transmission in chimpanzees and children’.
2012 – 2013
University of St Andrews – MSc Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology
2008 – 2012
University of St Andrews - Psychology MA (Hons.)
