Sociobiology, Evolution & Personality

Question 1

What is evolutionary theory?

Answer 1

Behaviours seen in PRESENT ppl that b/c of evolution in human BEHAVIOUR these were HELPFUL/NEEDED FOR SURVIVAL

Question 2

Why is self-esteem evolutionary important?

Answer 2

Sociometer theory:
- self esteem is a “gas gauge” to the degree of ppl perceive they are RELATIONALLY VALUED & SOCIALLY ACCEPTED

Important for evolution as ppl needed to mate and continue their blood line

Question 3

Men place a higher value on “________”
attractiveness, whereas women are more likely to value
“_________” security

Heterosexual men desire mates several years “________” than themselves, whereas women prefer mates who are “______” than themselves

Answer 3

Physical; economic

Younger; older

Question 4

It was found that in studies men and women both value what?

Answer 4

Intelligence & kindness

Question 5

For women “______ &______” health is essential

For men the capacity to “_______ __________” allow children to thrive

Answer 5

Youth & physical

Provide resources

Question 6

Overall men tend to want more sexual partners, why is this from an evolution standpoint?

Overall women are selective w/ sexual partners, why is this from an evolution standpoint?

Answer 6

Men:
- succeed in having GREATEST # of children by having as many children by as many WOMEN as possible

Women:
- more likely to have VIABLE OFFSPRING if she can convince the man to STAY & SUPPORT the family

Question 7

What is sociosexuality?

Based on studies, do men score higher or lower on this?

Answer 7

Sociosexuality:
Individuals interest in UNCOMMITED sexual activity

Men score higher in this

Men in one study were picked MORE in speed dating who had this trait

Question 8

When asked in a study which one would hurt more for your partner to do….

“____%” of men choose sexual infidelity
“____%” of women chose emotional infidelity

Answer 8

60% = men sexual infidelity

82% = women emotional infidelity

Question 9

When asked in a study about which one would hurt more if your partner did…

“___%” of men chose sexual infidelity
“___%” of women chose falling in love

Answer 9

45% = men sexual infidelity
88% = women falling in love

Question 10

In the speed dating study…

Men that were chosen more were high in “___________”

Women that were chosen more were high in “___________”

Answer 10

Men = sociosexuality

Women = agreeableness

Question 11

So what ARE the evolutionary explanations for individual differences?

Answer 11

1. DIVERSITY is ESSENTIAL
2. BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS emerge from RXN’S to ENVRIO EXPERIENCES
3. Evolved BEHAVIOURAL STRATEGIES (using the one that makes sense)
4. BIOLOGICALLY INFLUENCED BEHAVIOUR may be FREQUENCY DEPENDENT
   Ex) think of psychopathy
   - would not be a trait if everyone had it
   - it is an “advantage” to select ppl that have it