relationships

Question 1

what does evolutionary theory state about why we form romantic rtelationships

Answer 1

they provide both a survival and reproductive advantage. therefore formation of romantic relationships can be seen as adaptive.

Question 2

what does evolutionary theory argue?

Answer 2

that we are motivated to ensure the survuval of our genes and as a consuquence we tend to from relationships with people that will be most likely to produce healthy offspring.

Question 3

why is investment in offspring higher in female?

Answer 3

because females can produce relatively few offspring therefore women need to be choosy and select for quantity of genes to increase chance of survival for her offspring

Question 4

define anisogomy

Answer 4

refers to the difference between male and female sex cells. male gametes (sperm) are plentiful as males can produce sperm and remain fertile from puberty to old age. however females gametes (ova0 are in limited supply as they are only released in intervals for a limited number of fertile years.

Question 5

what are the two types of sexual selection?

Answer 5

intersexual selection and intrasexual selection

Question 6

what is meant by intersexual selection?

Answer 6

refers to when one sex evolves preferences for desirable qualities in potential mates.

Question 7

what is meant by intrasexual selection?

Answer 7

refers to when an individual of one sex(usually males) must outcompete another member of the same sex to gain access to members of the opposite sex.

Question 8

evaluation (ao3) of evoluntioary explanations for partner preference

• explain buss(1989)- cross cultural study
  -aim, procedure and findings

Answer 8

aim= to explore what males and females looked for in a long term partner
procedure= looked at partner preference of men and women in 37 different cultures across 33 countires.data was collected from 10000 adults ages between 16 and 28 years. participants were asked to ratr characteristics on a 4 point scale.
findings= men valued physical attractiveness more than women.
men valued women who were younger than themselves (indcator of fertility).
women valued resources/financial capacity of potential partners more than men
both showed prefernce for partners who were intelligant, kind and dependable.

Question 9

evaluation (ao3) evolutionary explanations for partner prefernce

buss(1989)- actual marriages

Answer 9

buss carried out a cross cultural study of actual marriages in 29 cultures and founf that men do actually choose to marry younger women. he also found that men who divorce and remarry tend to marry women who are increasingly younger.