Climatic instability, food storage, and the development of numerical counting: a cross-cultural study

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 33 • Published In 1999 • Pages: 341-368 •

By Divale, William Tulio

Abstract

A model for the development of counting systems is tested. The hypothesis presented predicts that unpredictable climate conditions result in inconsistent food supply which leads to the need for food storage and, thus, a system to account for the stored food. Results strongly support this hypothesis.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Probability Sample Files (PSF)	Researchers Own
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)	Combination

Hypotheses (4)
Hypothesis	Supported
Societies that store significant amounts of food will have more elaborate counting systems (343).	Supported
There will be a relationship between latitude and counting systems (343).	Not Supported
Variations in climate extremes will be associated with threat of famine and starvation (342).	Supported
"The threat or presence of famine and starvation [will] be associated with the storage and preservation of food" (343).	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings Megan Farrer

Climatic instability, food storage, and the development of numerical counting: a cross-cultural study

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 33 • Published In 1999 • Pages: 341-368 • Cite

By Divale, William Tulio

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (4)

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 33 • Published In 1999 • Pages: 341-368 •