Lesson 1 - Evolutionary Explanations Flashcards
According to evolutionary psychology what are partner preferences driven by
Sexual selection
Why do males and females choose to have partners
To maximise their chances of reproductive success
What is the purpose of male gametes
Sperm cells are able to reproduce quickly with little energy expenditure
What is the difference between male and female gametes
Female gametes - eggs - much less plentiful and requires far more energy to produce
This difference means that males and females use different strategies when choosing a partner
What strategies do males use to choose a partner
Intra sexual selection
What strategies do females use to choose a partner
Inter sexual selection
Intra sexual selection
Where members of one sex compete with one another for access of the opposite sex
What does Intra sexual selection lead to
Dimorphism - the accentuation of secondary sexual characteristics in those with a greater reproductive fitness
What is anisogamy for males
It suggests that a males best evolutionary strategy is to have as many partners as possible . Males must compete with other males to present themself as the most attractive mate to fertile female partners
What is mate guarding
When males guard their female partner to prevent them mating with anyone else . Males are fearful of having to raise another man’s child - cuckoldry
Inter sexual selection
Where members of one sex choose from available prospective mates according to attractiveness
Anisogamy for females
Suggests that a women’s best evolutionary strategy is to be. selective when choosing a partner
What characteristics do females look for
Physical health
High status
Has resources
+ evaluation of evolutionary explanations of partner preferences
+ buss conducted a survey of over 10,000 adults in 33 countries and found females value resource based characteristics whilst men valued good looks and young partners
+ Clark and Hatfield conducted a study where males and females asked the opposite sex to 1. Go on a date 2. Go to their room 3, go to bed w them
75% of the males agreed to go to bed , 0% of females agreed to that
- evaluation of evolutionary explanations of partner preferences
-deterministic , suggests we have little free will in partner choice - everyday experiences contradict this
-views are socially sensitive in that they produce sexist views regarding what are natural male and female behaviour ,
- availability of contraception means evolutionary pressures are less relevant
- doesn’t account for homosexual relationships
