Module 12 (Evolutionary Psych)

Question 1

Evolutionary psychology

Answer 1

-the study of mind and behavior through the lens of evolution
-If the human brain (the engine of all thought, feeling, and behavior) is the product of evolution, then understanding the challenges of survival and reproduction that humans faced over their long evolutionary history should illuminate the brain’s operating system: the naturally selected “mental software” that constitutes our common human nature

Question 2

3 variables of biological evolution

Answer 2

-Variation
-Inheritance
-Differential reproductive success (i.e. natural and sexual selection)

Question 3

Psychological adaptation

Answer 3

-“mental apps” that evolved to help humans navigate the challenges of survival and reproduction
-If the “updated” app improves survival and reproduction (compared to other versions of that “app” in the population), than it will be naturally selected and become more common
-We don’t inherit “behavior” per se
-We inherit genes that build brains with evolved features. It is those psychological adaptations, with input from the environment, that generate behavior

Question 4

Examples of variation inheritance selection (reproductive success)

Answer 4

-Ex. giraffes
-Original group exhibiting variation in neck length
-Natural selection favors longer necks, the favored characteristic is passed on to next generation in greater proportion than the shorter neck
-After many generations, group is still variable, but showing general increase in neck length

Question 5

Different sex fitness costs

Answer 5

-Men: paternity investment
-Women; investment certainty
= different selection pressures

Question 6

Different sex psychological concerns

Answer 6

-Men: sexual fidelity
-Women: emotional fidelity

Question 7

Sex similarities of Buss study

Answer 7

Both men and women want kindness, intelligence, dependable character

Question 8

Women desires of Buss study

Answer 8

-Women want men who are kind, intelligent, emotionally stable
-Prefer men with cues of provisioning
-Economic resources, good financial prospects, ambition, older age, dependable/stable
-Also prefer men with athletic ability, willingness to invest in children, good health and physical features

Question 9

Men desires of Buss study

Answer 9

-Men prefer women who are kind, intelligent, and emotionally stable
-Prefer women with cues of fertility
-Clear and smooth skin, full lips, lustrous hair, high energy, animated expressions, babyish features, low waist to hip ratio, signs of sexual fidelity, good health and physical appearance

Question 10

Evolved mate preferences

Answer 10

-Psychological adaptations as a “mixing board”
-Mate preferences evolved as distinct “channels”, each favored by selection for their utility in motivating us to prefer some potential partners over others
-Lifespan development, personal experiences, and socio-cultural factors (exposure to electronic/print media) can “tune” or calibrate those preferences