Evolutionary Theories of Personality Flashcards
Why think about evolution in terms of personality theory?
Evolution would be the ultimate explanation for individual differences. Provides a distal explanation.
What are the origins of evolutionary theory?
Homo erectus originated in Africa - hunter-gatherers and large communities with hierarchies. This early time influenced how the human brain developed and is now structured.
What is the evolutionary theory?
There is natural variation among species which is partly heritable, partly random. there were evolutionary pressures for survival and reproduction.
What is natural selection?
Characteristics that aid in the survival of a species in a particular environment will be passed down through genes.
What is sexual selection?
Characteristics that are desirable to a ate, or that win intrasexual competition, are passed down through genes.
How do we inspect how psychological features are adaptive for survival and reproduction?
Look at if the characteristic is:
- functional
- domain-specific
- numerous (more than one characteristic addressing one need)
How do we test if psychological features are adaptive for survival and reproduction?
Test hypotheses about design features of mechanisms.
Show universal, cross cultural patterns.
What are the different levels of explanation for individual differences?
Evolved characteristics of human nature, group differences and structure of individual differences (nomothetic) and unique differences (idiographic).
How are mating strategies different between genders according?
Women: more parental investment due to less chances of producing offspring. makes them more selective. they look for partners ability to protect, provide, be faithful and compatible.
Men: less parental investment due to more opportunities for reproduction. they look for fertility, (youth and beauty) and faithfulness.
What is important to remember when comparing genders?
There is more variation within than between genders.
What is the traditional evolutionary view of individual differences?
They reflect random variation and can be discarded.
What is the modern evolutionary view of individual differences?
They reflect a range of equally adaptive strategies - there is no single optimal combination of traits across times and contexts.
What is stabilising selection?
A form of natural selection where population mean stabilises over time on a non-extreme trait.
What is directional selection?
A form of natural selection in which a particular phenotype is favoured, causing the trait to become the norm.
What is fluctuation selection?
A process of natural selection characterised by a particular phenotype fluctuating over a period of time.
