Evolutionary explanation of aggression Flashcards
What is evolution?
The change in a species over time through natural selection
What is natural selection?
Where genes which are beneficial for survival in a certain environment are selected for through better survival or reproduction
What is the Environment of Evolutionary Adaptation?
The environment you currently live in that your genes are operating in
What is “the warrior gene”?
MAOA which effects serotonin meaning higher aggression
What is a genotype?
The complete gene profile of an individual
What is a phenotype?
The visible traits of an organism which is how their genes interact/are expressed in a certain environment
What is the belief about aggression coming from evolutionary theory?
Aggression was beneficial to the survival/reproduction of our ancestor
What are reasons aggression is thought to be beneficial?
Ancestors were able to use aggression to gain and protect their resources beneficial for survival, Ancestors were able to scare off rivals meaning they were able to mate and reproduce, Ancestors were able to deter partners from infidelity
How does sexual selection work for aggression?
Aggression would help males gain dominance and resources and so women were attracted for more aggressive males
Why are females seen as less aggressive than males?
Physical aggression is too risky i.e. harm to unborn children- a selection for social aggression instead
What did Mazur find?
Males show an increase in fighting behaviours around puberty due to this being when partner selection becomes a factor
What did Daly & Wilson find?
58 / 214 cases of murder motivated by sexual jealousy, confidence in paternity and warning to potential rivals
What did Miller find?
55% of women in abusive relationships cite their partner’s jealousy as a factor in their partner’s behaviour
What did Buss & Shackleford find?
Some cultures have more aggression than others- this shows aggression is environmental not purely due to genes
Which of these is an alternative theory saying we might learn aggression from role models around us meaning this theory might be incorrect?
Social Learning Theory
