Evolutionary explanations of human aggression

Question 1

What do evolutionary explanations focus on?

Answer 1

The adaptive nature of behaviour

Question 2

How can evolution explain aggression?

Answer 2

It is a strategy that would have been effective at solving adaptive problems

Question 3

What does aggression increase, according to the evolutionary explanation?

Answer 3

The likelihood of survival + reproduction

Question 4

What is sexual competition?

Answer 4

When males compete with other males to seek access to females

Question 5

How could males eliminate sexual competition?

Answer 5

Through aggression

Question 6

How much more muscle mass do males have than females?

Answer 6

75%

Question 7

What is the difference between male and female jaw bones?

Answer 7

Male jaw bones are thicker

Question 8

Are males or females more likely to die violently?

Answer 8

Males

Question 9

What is sexual jealousy?

Answer 9

The consequence of paternal uncertainty

Question 10

Why do only males experience sexual jealousy?

Answer 10

Because females can always be certain that the baby they carry is biologically theirs

Question 11

What is cuckoldry?

Answer 11

When a male unwittingly invests his resources in offspring that aren’t his

Question 12

What is the adaptive function of sexual jealousy?

Answer 12

To deter a mate from sexual infidelity

Question 13

What strategies did Buss suggest males have evolved for the sole purpose of keeping a mate?

Answer 13

Violence/threats of violence towards the mate or a perceived love rival

Question 14

What percentage of UK murder cases are the result of sexual jealousy?

Answer 14

17%

Question 15

What are the 4 AO3 points of the evolutionary explanations of aggression?

Answer 15

1) Socialisation may be a better explanation of gender differences in aggression
2) Aggressive behaviour may not always be adaptive
3) Gender bias in evolutionary explanations of aggression
4) Support for the link between aggression and status

Question 16

How can parenting explain gender differences in aggression

Answer 16

Parents are more likely to physically punish boys for bad conduct, whereas they are more likely to verbally scold girls who misbehave

Question 17

Although girls are less physically aggressive than boys, in what ways are they more aggressive?

Answer 17

Socially

Question 18

How can aggression be non-adaptive?

Answer 18

It can result in social ostracism, injury or even death

Question 19

What did Buss suggest about aggression being maladaptive?

Answer 19

The benefits of aggression must only have outweighed the costs on average relative to other strategies in the evolutionary past

Question 20

How does the evolutionary explanation of aggression in warfare suffer from gender bias?

Answer 20

It does not adequately reflect the behaviour of females in this process

Question 21

How common are female warriors?

Answer 21

Very uncommon

Question 22

Why do psychologists suggest women have less to gain and more to lose in warfare?

Answer 22

Because of their reproductive capacity

Question 23

How has anthropological evidence supported the link between aggression and status?

Answer 23

Many tribal communities bestow increased status and honour to men who have committed murder

Question 24

How has evidence from gangs supported the link between aggression and status?

Answer 24

The most violent gang members often have the highest status + respect from other gang members

Question 25

What are males highly sensitive to?

Answer 25

Perceived challenges to their status