Cross-species comparisons of human and non-human culture: approaches, discoveries, limitations, and future directions

Studies that directly compare the behaviour of two or more species can identify important similarities and differences in the psychological mechanisms that underpin culture, social learning, and innovation. This chapter focuses on the phylogenetically closely related human children and non-human primates to justify a comparative approach to understanding culture. Methodological approaches are outlined, and formative comparative research is summarized. We provide an overview of close convergence in many behaviours, highlighting potential evolutionary foundations and the necessary psychological toolkit underpinning culture, social learning, and innovation. Alongside this, the chapter illustrates the equally valuable divergence between species, demonstrating differences in behaviour and cognition that further illuminate our understanding of the mechanisms of culture. The challenges and limitations of comparative approaches are acknowledged and explored, and future avenues of effective comparative research are proposed.