Richard McElreath

2007

• McElreath, R., & Boyd, R. (2007). Mathematical Models of Social Evolution: A Guide for the Perplexed. Chicago: Univ of Chicago Press. (book)
  [BibTeX] More info
  @book{mesb,
  author = {McElreath, Richard and Boyd, Robert},
  Publisher = {Univ of Chicago Press},
  Title = {Mathematical Models of Social Evolution: A Guide for the Perplexed},
  Year = {2007},
  Address = {Chicago},
  URL = {?p=24}
}

Rob Boyd and I have written a book, “Mathematical Models of Social Evolution: A Guide for the Perplexed,” which is an introduction to formal models of social evolution. We target readers who have modest training in math. This means we actually show you the steps needed to derive well-known results, rather than taunting the reader with “it is easy to show…” The book is now out from University of Chicago Press.

First chapter

Corrected Figure 3.5

Reviews

Rankin

Nettle

Other books like this

There has been a nice surge of new introductory books in this area. It used to be that there were few good introductory texts to helps students in evolutionary biology (and human sociobiology) learn about the construction and analysis of mathematical models. Thankfully, there are several now. Each has its strengths and emphasizes different sorts of biological problems.

This is the best book I’ve found for teaching nervous biologists the techniques of projection matrices and analyzing stability in multi-dimensional systems. It’s patient, clear, and biologically motivated (as opposed to mathematically motivated). Nice clear treatment of limit cycles.

Mangel

Nice treatment of stochastic modeling, sustainability and bio-economic analysis. Has a nice chapter on probability that many students will find helpful.

Very approachable and example-motivated presentation. This may be the best first book for the math-phobic biologist. Also says more about solving problems through computer programming (very common among professional theorists) than other texts in the list.

Troy Day has made an informative page about this book.

• McElreath, R., Boyd, R., & Richerson, P. J. (2003). Shared norms and the evolution of ethnic markers. Current Anthropology, 44(1), 122-129. (article)
  [BibTeX] More info
  @article{mcelreath2003,
  author = {McElreath, Richard and Boyd, Robert and Richerson, Peter J.},
  Journal = {Current Anthropology},
  Number = {1},
  Pages = {122-129},
  Title = {Shared norms and the evolution of ethnic markers},
  Volume = {44},
  Year = {2003},
  URL = {?p=62}
}

Abstract

Most human populations are subdivided into ethnic groups which have self-ascribed membership and are marked by seemingly arbitrary traits such as distinctive styles of dress or speech. Existing explanations of ethnicity do not adequately explain the origin and maintenance of group marking. Here we develop a mathematical model which shows that groups distinguished by both differences in social norms and in arbitrary markers can emerge and remain stable despite significant mixing between them, if (1) people preferentially interact in mutually beneficial social interaction with people who have the same marker as they do, and (2) they acquire their markers and social behaviors by imitating successful individuals. We also show that the propensity to interact with people with markers like oneself may be favored by natural selection under plausible conditions.

PDF

Electronic Enhancements

Mathematical supplement

Simulation of model, in R programming language: ethnicmarkerssim.r