Domain-General Psychological Mechanisms Framework
General-purpose problem-solvers for novel problems
This framework proposes that humans possess domain-general psychological mechanisms that are designed to solve novel or abstract problems. These mechanisms are general-purpose problem-solvers that can be applied to a wide range of challenges and tasks.
- The mind is composed of both domain-specific and domain-general psychological mechanisms.
- Domain-general mechanisms are designed to solve novel or abstract problems.
- The evolution of domain-general mechanisms is favored when the environment is unpredictable or changing.
- Identify the novel or abstract problemDetermine the particular challenge or task that requires a general-purpose problem-solver.Pro tipConsider the evolutionary context in which the problem arose.WarningBe careful not to confuse the problem with a more specific or well-defined issue.
- Apply the domain-general mechanismUse the identified mechanism to address the novel or abstract problem.Pro tipConsider the specific inputs and decision rules that are relevant to the mechanism.WarningBe aware that the mechanism may not be as efficient or effective as a domain-specific mechanism.
The domain-general mechanism for finding food is applied to the novel problem of using the internet to find food sources.
The domain-general mechanism for finding tools is applied to the novel problem of using a hardware store to find tools.
The concept of domain-general psychological mechanisms emerged from the field of evolutionary psychology, which seeks to understand human behavior and cognition in terms of their evolutionary origins and functions. Researchers such as Steven Pinker and David Geary have argued that the human mind is composed of both domain-specific and domain-general mechanisms.