Aggression As An Adaptive Response

Question 1

Evolution
Suggests males are aggressive because… (3)

Answer 1

They need to
- compete w. other males to ensure reproductive success
- protect female and offspring
- protect and acquire resources

Question 2

Social Status
Cycle of HS males & LS males…

Answer 2

HS males monopolise females —— LS males at risk of not producing offspring —— LS males indulge in high risk strategies to compete for status —— success enhances reproductive success

Question 3

Social Status
Study- Daly & Wilson
When? Participants? Conc?

Answer 3

1985
Murderers in Detroit in 1972
Victims & offenders were unemployed & unmarried young men—low status & no mate

Question 4

Sexual Jealousy & Infidelity in Males
Male on Male Aggression- Daly & Wilson 1985 (2)

Answer 4

58/214 cases motivated by sexual jealousy
- confidence in paternity and warning to potential rivals

Question 5

Sexual Jealousy & Infidelity in Males
Male on Female Aggression- Miller 1980 (3)

Answer 5

55% battered wives, cited jealousy as reason for husband’s behaviour
-Often unfounded
—designed to deter female from indulging in behaviour not in males interest

Question 6

Sexual Jealousy & Infidelity in Males
Male on Child Aggression (2)

Answer 6

Paternal investment
- males reluctant to expend energy & resources in raising offspring of another male

Question 7

Aggression in Females
Evolutionary theory (2)

Answer 7

HS, dominant, aggressive female- not preferred as mates
BUT low risk indirect strategies, to decrease attractiveness of competing females, developed

Question 8

Aggression in Females
Study- Griskevious et al
When! Participants? Method? Conc?

Answer 8

2009
College students
Scenario of person of same sex spilling drink on them at party and no apologising
Men- direct aggression
Women- 1/4 direct aggression, most walk away