C1: Evolutionary Theories in Psychology Flashcards
What are adaptations?
Evolved solutions to problems that historically contributed to reproductive success.
What is Error Management Theory (EMT)?
A theory of selection under conditions of uncertainty in which recurrent cost asymmetries of judgement or inference favor the evolution of adaptive cognitive biases that function to minimize the more costly errors.
What does evolution mean?
Change over time.
What is Gene Selection Theory?
The modern theory of evolution by selection by which differential gene replication is the defining process of evolutionary change.
What is InterSexual Selection?
A process of sexual selection by which evolution occurs as a consequence of the mate preferences of one sex exerting selection pressure on members of the opposite sex.
What is IntraSexual Competition?
A process of sexual selection by which members of one sex compete with each other, and the victors gain preferential mating access to members of the opposite sex.
What is Natural Selection?
Differential reproductive success as a consequence of differences in heritable attributes.
What is Sexual Selection Theory?
The evolution of characteristics, not because of survival advantage, but because of mating advantage.
What are Psychological Adaptations?
Mechanisms of the mind that evolved to solve specific problems of survival or reproduction.
What is Sexual Strategies Theory?
A comprehensive evolutionary theory of human mating that defines the menu of mating strategies humans pursue.
What is Evolutionary Psychology?
Connects evolutionary principles with modern psychology and focuses primarily on psychological adaptations.
What are the primary mechanisms by which evolution takes place?
Natural Selection: traits enhancing reproductive success, not survival success.
Sexual Selection: traits providing mating advantage.
What are the 2 Major Classes of adaptations?
Psychological Adaptation: traits/behaviors that have evolved to solve specific survival or reproductive challenges.
Physiological Adaptations: physical changes in an organism that enhance survival.
Define Sexual Selection and its two primary processes.
Sexual Selection: traits that enhance mating advantage.
Its two primary processes are: Intrasexual Competition and Intersexual Selection.
What is Gene Selection Theory?
The modern explanation behind evolutionary biology occurs through the desire for gene replication.
What are the core premises of Sexual Strategies Theory?
A comprehensive evolutionary theory of human mating that defines the menu of mating strategies humans pursue.
What are the core premises of Error Management Theory?
Refers to the idea that certain cognitive biases have evolved to help humans make quick, practical decisions in complex situations.
What is Adaptive Cognitive Bias?
Refers to the idea that certain cognitive biases, which might seem illogical or irrational at first glance, have evolved to help humans make quick, practical decisions in complex situations.
What are adaptations?
Traits or behaviors that evolved over time to increase our reproductive success.
What are Survival Adaptations?
Mechanisms that helped our ancestors handle the hostile forces of nature.
What are Sexual Selection Theory adaptations?
Adaptations for reproduction that help us compete for mates.
What occurs through Intrasexual competition and intersexual selection?
Sexual Selection.
What is Mutual Mate Choice?
Both men and women typically have a say in choosing their mates.
What two ways can genes boost their own replicative success?
- They can influence the odds for Survival and Reproduction of the organism they’re in.
- Genes can also influence the organism to help other organisms who also likely contain the same genes.
What are Genetic Relatives?
Genes can influence the organism to help other organisms who also likely contain the same genes to survive and reproduce.
