Coalitional value mediates status allocation based on cognitive ability

Jonathan Egeland

doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2026.106983

Coalitional value mediates status allocation based on cognitive ability

2026-10-08

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OA

AI

J

Jonathan Egeland *

L

Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair

T

Thomas Haarklau Kleppestø

M

Mons Bendixen

DOI：10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2026.106983

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Human cognition is unique. Our large brains and advanced cognitive skills indicate intense selection following the divergence from other hominins. Theoretical models and empirical data from the last few decades suggest that human intelligence primarily serves a social function. However, explaining precisely how human cognition is adapted for navigating the complexities of social life has proved challenging. This preregistered study empirically examines the recently proposed Coalitional Intelligence Hypothesis, which posits that the behavioral effects of human intelligence evolved as reliable signals of coalitional value, facilitating adaptive reciprocal exchanges of status and cognitive-computational services. This study also introduces the first Norwegian translation of the International Cognitive Ability Resource 16-Item Sample Test (ICAR-16), which we developed for use as our cognitive ability measure. Analysing a new dyadic dataset using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model, we found that coalitional value, operationalized in terms of ability to coordinate a group, fully mediates status allocated based on cognitive ability. These findings provide initial empirical support for the Coalitional Intelligence Hypothesis.

Keywords:

Coalitional intelligence hypothesis

Status

Prestige

Human evolution

Social exchange

Cognition

Cooperation

Coalitional value mediates status allocation based on cognitive ability

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