Chapter 2: Theoretical Perspectives on Sexuality

Question 1

the application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behavior of animals, including humans

Answer 1

sociobiology

Question 2

a theory that all living things have acquired their present forms through gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generations

Answer 2

evolution

Question 3

a process in nature resulting in greater rates of survival of those plants and animals that are adapted to their environment

Answer 3

natural selection

Question 4

a specific type of selection that creates differences between males and females

Answer 4

sexual selection

Question 5

the study of psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection

Answer 5

evolutionary psychology

Question 6

a psychological theory originated by Sigmund Freud; it contains a basic assumption that part of human personality is unconscious

Answer 6

psychoanalytic theory

Question 7

in psychoanalytic theory, the term for the sex energy or sex drive

Answer 7

libido

Question 8

according to Freud, the part of the personality containing the libido

Answer 8

id

Question 9

according to Freud, the part of the personality that helps the person have realistic, rational interactions

Answer 9

ego

Question 10

according to Freud, the part of the personality containing the conscience

Answer 10

superego

Question 11

areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation

Answer 11

erogenous zones

Question 12

according to Freud, the sexual attraction of a little boy for his mother

Answer 12

Oedipus complex

Question 13

according to Freud, the sexual attraction of a little girl for her father

Answer 13

Electra complex

Question 14

the learning process in which a previously neutral stimulus (conditioned stimulus) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus that reflexively elicits an unconditioned response. Eventually the conditioned stimulus itself will evoke the response

Answer 14

classical conditioning

Question 15

the process of changing the frequency of a behavior (the operant) by following it with positive reinforcement (which will make the behavior more frequent in the future) or punishment (which should make the behavior less frequent in the future)

Answer 15

operant conditioning

Question 16

a set of operant conditioning techniques used to modify human behavior

Answer 16

behavior modification

Question 17

the process of repeatedly pairing a behavior with an aversive stimulus, leading to a decline in the frequency of the behavior

Answer 17

extinction

Question 18

a sense of competence at performing an activity

Answer 18

self-efficacy

Question 19

a theory, based on the principle of reinforcement, that assumes that people will choose actions that maximize rewards and minimize costs

Answer 19

social exchange theory

Question 20

a general knowledge framework that a person has about a particular topic

Answer 20

schema

Question 21

the process by which certain sexual behaviors or conditions are defined in terms of health and illness, and problematic experiences or practices are given medical treatment

Answer 21

medicalization of sexuality

Question 22

a theory based on the premise that hyman nature and the social order are products of communication among people

Answer 22

symbolic interaction theory