Instincts

Question 1

Define the term ‘Instincts’

Answer 1

An innate fixed response to environmental stimuli

Question 2

Describe a study that illustrates how experience influences behaviour

Answer 2

Hall et al. (2002) - took who either had a past experience of being dehydrated or not. All rats were then dehydrated. Those who had past experience of dehydration drank more afterwards

Question 3

How do animals show incest avoidance?

Answer 3

Wrens will not mate on the grounds they were born on. When the male wren partner dies, the female will leave so that she doesn’t have to mate with the son who is now the senior

Question 4

Describe two explanations for incest avoidance

Answer 4

Inbreeding depression - those who are inbred tend to be more susceptible to disease, and have bad health and fertility
The Westermarck Effect - people tend not to be attracted to those they have lived like siblings with before the age of 6

Question 5

What determines attitudes to incest?

Answer 5

Period of co-residence, the strength of aversion depends on experience