Serial Reproduction: An Experimental Simulation of Cultural Dynamics

Abstract

The method of serial reproduction is an experimental method by which to investigate social psychological processes involved in cultural dynamics, namely, the formation, maintenance and transformation of culture over time. In particular, it is useful for examining how cultural information is transmitted through social networks, what type of cultural information is likely to diffuse through social networks, and how it is transformed as it travels from one person to another. This paper outlines its methodological strengths and weaknesses, discusses the theoretical framework in which the method is embedded, and outlines an example of its systematic use in a research program about cultural stereotypes. Finally, the paper concludes with discussions about future research directions with regard to potential cultural differences in cultural dynamics as well as interaction between cultural dynamics and social network processes. Key