The evolution of music and human social capability
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review/theoretical framework paper with no primary empirical data.
OpenAlex W2019081096 · doi:10.3389/fnins.2014.00292
What was done
This paper provides a narrative and theoretical synthesis examining the intersections between the neuroscience of music, cognitive architecture, evolutionary theory, and human social functioning.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data, sample sizes, or numerical findings. It outlines a conceptual model in which music engages neural mechanisms tied to communication, numeracy, language, and spatial perception to facilitate social connection, shared intentions, and human well-being.
Why it matters
It offers an integrative perspective linking musical neurobiology with evolutionary anthropology, framing music as an essential driver of human social communication rather than an evolutionary byproduct.
Limits
The abstract describes a conceptual overview with no original empirical data, formal systematic review methodology, or quantitative testing. As a narrative synthesis, it cannot independently establish causal mechanisms or measure effect sizes.
Cited by
- supports Human musical culture dates back 40,000 years.