evolutionary explanation

Question 1

how does evolutionary aggression work?

Answer 1

genes mutate to be beneficial, making the being more likely to reproduce and pass said gene(s) onto their offspring

Question 2

why would aggression have an evolutionary advantage?

Answer 2

-helps fight for resources
-males appear more attractive to females (protect offspring)

Question 3

why might aggression be an evolutionary disadvantage?

Answer 3

females may not wish to reproduce with an aggressive male as they want someone sensitive that can nurture their offspring

Question 4

how does jealousy relate to evolutionary aggression?

Answer 4

-an individual fears losing the affections of a mate to another, so a potential threat to the relationship induces aggression

Question 5

research on the evolutionary explanation

Answer 5

-Sadalla et al 1987 - mate preference is based on survival rather than happiness
-Daly & Wilson 1988 - homicide rates are higher when a mans wife is about to leave/has left

Question 6

briefly evaluate the evolutionary explanation

Answer 6

-cultural differences in homicide rates of men killing their wives (if it was an evolutionary advantage the rates would be consistent globally)
-difficult to test as much research uses a forced option format, simplifying behaviour
-seems to suggest aggression is excusable and beyond control, which has implications in the legal system, making research socially sensitive