Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Tinkering with social tinkering
Nick Chater1, Morten H Christiansen2,3
1Behavioural Science Group, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK nick.chater@wbs.ac.uk.
Abstract:
Our commentators have broadly welcomed the notion of social tinkering, while also offering a range of suggestions, refinements, and potential challenges. In our response, we clarify the concept of social tinkering, sharpen our account of the six stages of cultural evolution, consider whether additional mechanisms are needed to explain the emergence of cultural complexity, and explore a range of possible extensions to the social tinkering framework. We conclude by discussing broader implications and future directions for this research program, including a reconsideration of Rogers' paradox.
Related Concept Videos
Social Exchange Theory
Social Exchange Theory
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Social Scripts
Social Loafing

