Lec 2

Question 1

Sociobiology?

Answer 1

The application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behavior of animals, humans

Question 2

Evolution?

Answer 2

A theory that all living things have acquired their present forms through
gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generations

Question 3

Intrasexual competition?

Answer 3

Competition among members of one gender (usually males) for mating access to members of the other gender

Question 4

Intersexual competition?

Answer 4

Process of partner selection. Preferential choice by members of one gender for certain members of the other gender

Question 5

Evolutionary psychology?

Answer 5

Focuses on psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by the evolution. Assumes that every characteristic must have some adaptive significance

Question 6

According to Freud, 2 things shapehuman behavior:

Answer 6

1) Sex energy- libido
2) Death- thanatos

Question 7

According to Fraud, personality structure has 3 components:

Answer 7

1. Id- innate, driven by pleasure, incl. libido
2. Ego- keeps you in check
3. Superego- our conscious

Question 8

According to Freuds theory, Oedipus complex?

Answer 8

Boy sexually attracted to his mother –> castration anxiety –> starts identifying with the father

Question 9

According to Freuds theory, Electra complex?

Answer 9

Girl sexually attracted to her father- penis envy

Question 10

Which researcher belongs to psychoanalytic theory?

Answer 10

Freud

Question 11

Problems with Freuds theory?

Answer 11

• Most concepts can’t be scientifically proven
• Data from disturbed patients
• Male centered theory
• Over-emphasis on biological factors

Question 12

Self-efficacy?

Answer 12

A sense of competence at performing an activity

Question 13

Social learning theory?

Answer 13

-Based on operant conditioning
- We imitate behaviors that we observe in others

Question 14

Exchange theory?

Answer 14

Based on principle of reinforcement, assumes that people will choose actions that maximize rewards and minimize costs

Question 15

What feminist theory aims for?

Answer 15

Intersectionality- approach that we should consider person’s multiple group memberships and identities: gender, race, social class, sexual orientation

Question 16

Performativity?

Answer 16

-Refers to the way in which we perform gender or sexuality based on society’s norms
-Comes from feminist and queer theories

Question 17

Symbolic interaction theory?

Answer 17

Human nature and the social order are products of symbolic communication among people

Question 18

Script theory- 3 levels of scripts:

Answer 18

1. Cultural scripts
2. Interpersonal scripts
3. Intrapsychic scripts- plans, fantasies, motives that guide past, current and future behavior

Question 19

Which Big Five traits are related to sexual behavior?

Answer 19

Extraversion and agreeableness

Question 20

Erotophilia or erotophobia?

Answer 20

Aspects of personality that encompass how positive/negative individuals approach sex

Question 21

Sociosexuality:

Answer 21

One’s willingness to have sex without commitment or an emotional connection (restricted vs. unrestricted orientation)

Question 22

Penile strain gauge:

Answer 22

Assesses changes in penile circumference

Question 23

Vaginal photoplethysmograph:

Answer 23

Measures arousal via changes in vaginal blood volume via reflected light

Question 24

6 ethical principles for research?

Answer 24

1. Protection from harm and anonymity
2. Informed consent
3. Justice principle (risks and benefits should be fair)
4. Cost-benefit approach (costs of research is weighted against benefits)
5. Freedom to withdraw
6. Debriefing