Evolutionary explanations

Question 1

Evolutionary explanation

Answer 1

Focus on the adaptive nature of behaviour ; modern behaviours that have evolved due to challenges of distant ancestors + became widespread in gene pool

Question 2

Sexual selection

Answer 2

Preference by one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex causing competition for mates

Question 3

Intrasexual selection

Answer 3

Individuals of one sex competing with other members of the same sex for the other sex

Question 4

Intersexual selection

Answer 4

Members of one sex evolve preferences for desirable qualities in potential mates ; members of opposite sex who have these gain a mating advantage over those who do not

Question 5

Mate choices

Answer 5

Being choosy requires time and energy + can impair survival ; some cases are random mating = stupid mating
Genetic quality of a mate will determine half the genetic quality of offspring
-low quality mates , unattractive and more likely to produce unattractive unhealthy offspring
- high quality mates , offsprings are higher quality + genes are more likely to be passed on

Question 6

Mate preferences

Answer 6

Females - attracted to males who can invest in resources in her + child , physically protect , good parent and compatible to ensure minimal costs
Males- attracted to females who show signs of fertility; an indication of reproductive value

Question 7

*Key study : Buss

Answer 7

10,000 people + 37 cultures
Asked to rate each of 18 characteristics on importance when choosing a mate
4 point scale used

Question 8

Findings

Answer 8

Resources- women more than males desired mates who were good financial prospects
Physical attractiveness - men were more concerned ; cue for women’s health
Youth- Men wanted younger mates than them
Other - both places importance on intelligence and kindness

Question 9

• Evaluation

Cultural traditions

Answer 9

Bernstein says gender differences in mate preferences may be down to cultural traditions e.g women have been denied economic and political power in many cultures so rely on resources of men
Supported by Kasser + Sharma - found women valued resources in potential mates more in cultures where their status and education was limited

Question 10

Real life

Answer 10

Buss study may lack validity as they give us EXPRESSED preferences rather than what actually happens - however real life studies have supported this e.g of actual marriages in 29 cultures that confirmed men do choose younger women

Question 11

Menstrual cycle

Answer 11

Penton-voak say female choices vary across the menstrual cycle ; typically women choose a slightly feminised male face as most attractive for long term relationships yet for a short term sexual relationship during high contraception risk phase of cycle prefer a more masculine face ; possible genetic benefits in producing masculine offspring

Question 12

Eastwick et al

Answer 12

Suggests physical attractiveness may be as important to women as men when choosing a romantic partner however it is only important in short term relationships than serious ones + men more likely to rely on it for long term relationships