The Generalized Price Equation: A Unified Approach to Behavioral Selection Theory

Behavioral selection theory is an overarching framework that describes behavior as the target of several simultaneous selection processes acting at different aggregate levels, including evolution, culture, and learning. I propose a formal theory of behavioral selection building on a generalized version of the Price equation. The theory provides an overarching account of behavioral selection that can be used to describe various selection processes at different levels of analysis - including natural selection, cultural selection, and operant selection. Focusing on behavioral selection occurring within individuals, I propose a theory-driven strategy for the construction and evaluation of specific behavioral selection models and sketch its empirical application using example data from a published learning experiment.