Relationships Flashcards
What is sexual selection?
An evolutionary explanation of partner preference. Attributes or behaviours that increase reproductive success are passed on and may become exaggerated over succeeding generations of offspring.
What is human reproductive behaviour?
This refers to any behaviours which relate to opportunities to reproduce and thereby increase the survival chances of our genes.
What is anisogamy?
The difference between male and female sex cells.
What is inter-sexual selection?
Between the sexes. The way males pick females, and females pick males.
What is intra-sexual selection?
Within each sex. Strategies between males to be the one that is selected.
Which gender prefers inter-sexual selection?
Females - quality over quantity. Ova are rarer than sperm and require greater energy to produce so a female must be “choosy”.
Which gender prefers intra-sexual selection?
Males - quantity over quality. Competition with other males, winner gets to reproduce.
David Buss (1989)
Carried out a survey of 10,000 adults in 33 countries. He asked questions relating to age and a variety of attributes that should be important in partner preference (evolutionary theorists). Found females placed importance in resources, males placed importance in physical attractiveness.
Russel Clark and Elaine Hatfield (1989)
Male and female psychology students sent out to ask other students “I’ve been noticing you around campus. I find you very attractive. Would you go to bed with me tonight?” No females agreed. 75% of males agreed immediately.
Who came up with natural selection?
Charles Darwin
What is self disclosure?
Revealing personal information about yourself. Romantic partners reveal more about their true selves as their relationship develops.
