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Human Development > Evolutionary Theory > Flashcards

Evolutionary Theory Flashcards

1
Q

What does evolutionary theory explain?

A

How diverse life forms came to exist and the characteristics of human nature
- stresses the importance of biological force on the direction of change

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2
Q

Uniformitarianism

A

Changes in the earth are caused by continuous and uniform processes
Proposed by Charles Lyell

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3
Q

Natural selection

A

Organisms adapt and change as a result of their environment

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4
Q

Biological forces that push for adaptation

A

Harsh environment
# of offspring
Variability from mutations

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5
Q

2 aspects of evolutionary theory

A
  1. Species go through gradual change over a long period of time
  2. Breaking away from an original group to establish a new branch in the phylogenetic tree
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6
Q

Define inclusive fitness

A

Fitness that extends to the next generations reproductive success

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7
Q

Phenotypic plasticity

A

The ability to produce different phenotypes when faced with different environmental challenges

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8
Q

Nomological network of evidence

A

Convergence of many evidence sources to evaluate evolutionary theory

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9
Q

Evolution of humans

A

Homo habilis - 1.9 to 1.8 million years ago
Homo erectus - 1.8 million to 300,000 years ago
Modern humans - 200,000 years ago

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10
Q

Unique human features

A
  1. Common body shape and specific organs
  2. Mate and produce offspring
  3. Bipedalism
    - hand use for tools, carrying, communication, etc
  4. Manipulation of tools
  5. More reliance on sight than smell
  6. Long pre and post-natal development
  7. Social belonging
  8. Ability of the human brain
  9. Consciousness
  10. Theory of mind
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11
Q

Ethology

A

Study of the causes of behaviour, the effect of genetics and learning, adaptive significance, and evolutionary history

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12
Q

Behaviours are…

A

Innate

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13
Q

What are behaviours supported by?

A

Integration of brain regions, physiological responses, and motivation

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14
Q

Fixed/modal action patterns

A

Innate behaviours that are more complex than reflexes and are elicited by the releasing stimulus
Ex. Birds building nests

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15
Q

Attachment behaviour vs caregiver system

A

Reflexes and behaviours that elicit caregiving behaviours from adults

Infant behaviour is to stay as close to the caregiver for protection

Caregiver behaviour is to respond to infant signals

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16
Q

Attachment behaviour system

A

Reflexes and behaviours that elicit caregiving behaviours from adults, which shape the infant and their caregiving expectations

17
Q

Evolutionary psychology

A

Using the principles of evolution to understand the human mind

Complex machines that solve problems faced by our ancestors and adapted through natural selection

Adaptations lead to the development of development of special abilities

18
Q

What are adaptive problems

A
  • influence survival and reproductive success
  • occurred many times in evolutionary history
  • solutions have an impact on humans reproductive success
19
Q

3 stages of life in evolutionary theory

A
  1. Healthy growth and development
    - most vulnerable
  2. Mating and conception
  3. Effective parenting
20
Q

Stages if attachment

A

Stage 1 - birth to 3 months
Maintain closeness with caregivers
Development of predictable behaviour
Caregiver expectations are formed
Stage 2 - 3 to 6 months
More responsive to familiar figures
Actively seek interactions with caregiver
Stage 3 - 6 to 9 months
Physical proximity
Contact with objects of attachment
Explore environment
Stage 4 - 9 to 12 months
Internal mental representation of objects
Expectations about caregiver responses

21
Q

The strange situation

A

Procedure used to identify differences in attachment relationships

22
Q

Secure attachment

A
  • infants explore environment
  • engage with strangers when caregiver present
  • seek interaction and greet caregiver after separation
  • caregiver calms infants down
  • caregiver is accessible and responsive to the infant
23
Q

Anxious avoidant attachment

A
  • avoid contact with caregiver
  • disregard attempts to engage with after separation
  • less distress when alone
  • caregiver is emotionally unavailable and unresponsive
  • infant is self-sufficient and independent
24
Q

Anxious-resistant attachment

A
  • cautious around strangers
  • stop exploring when caregiver departs
  • angry at caregivers return but seek closeness
  • inconsistent and unpredictable caregiving
25
Q

Disorganized attachment

A
  • no consistent approach for managing stress during reunion with caregiver
  • contradictory behaviours and fear and confusion
  • mental health issues in caregiver
26
Q

Affect of childhood attachment style later on

A

Affects friendships and romantic relationships
- secure relationships have closer friendships

27
Q
  1. What is the direction of change over the lifespan?
A

Direction is decided by genetics over the course of evolution

Innate behaviours to voluntary behaviours

Natural selection highlights evolution of species

28
Q
  1. What are the mechanisms that account for growth?
A

Human genome
Human faced repeated evolutionary problems which we adapted to
Hypothesis: human’s approach adaptive problems with the goal of reproductive success

29
Q
  1. How relevant are early experiences for later development?
A

Survival to reproductive age for fitness
Attachment styles effect future relationships

30
Q
  1. How do the environmental and social contexts affect individual development?
A

Natural selection drives evolutionary change
Behaviour evolves to fit the environment
Ability to overcome adaptive problems

31
Q
  1. what factors place individuals at risk at specific periods of the lifespan?
A

Protection is critical in infancy to enhance fitness

32
Q
  1. What are some practical implications of this theory?
A

Principles of artificial selection
Selective breeding
Ergonomics - modification of the environment

Human Development (8 decks)

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