Operant selection compared to other theories of social learning, cultural evolution and cultural practice

Operant selection (OS) has many worthwhile qualities as a basis for a theory of cultural evolution. It steers clear of Lamarckian pitfalls, thus seamlessly complementing Darwinism rather than obscuring and cluttering it. It identifies a principal selecting consequence in reinforcement, and a neurological mechanism of cultural behavioral replication in the individual member of the culture. OS describes a process, and supporting/underlying mechanism, of variation, selection and retention, within, and subsequently between, individuals, that itself has evolved by reproductive selection (natural selection). By doing so it offers a naturalistic explanation for complex human creativity and inventiveness. But how does it really compare against other theories of cultural evolution? What are the essential similiarities and differences? I briefly review a few of several different theories of culture and cultural evolution in relation to OS: Dual-inheritance theory, evolved, domain-specific meta-cultural mechanisms, evolutionary psychology in general, memetics, theories of human choice as selection, and theories emphasizing non-operant social learning and information processing.