The evolutionary explanations for partner preferences

Question 1

What is the evolutionary approach

Answer 1

Involves adaption, reproduction and natural selection as the basis for explaining specific human behaviour

Question 2

Darwin (1959)

Answer 2

“Survival of the fittest”
Characteristics enhance the ability to survive and reproduce

Question 3

What is the Sexual Selection theory?

Answer 3

“Survival of the sexiest”
Idea that there is competition between the same sex
Compete to have the most attractive characteristic

Question 4

What are the two types of sexual selection?

Answer 4

1. Intrasexual selection
2. Intersexual selection

Question 5

What is intrasexual selection?

Answer 5

-Mate competition
- Members of one sex (usually men) compete with each other
Winners= get to mate
Losers= genes aren’t passed on
Women’s fertility is limited due to having a time frame (9months) to have another baby whereas men don’nt

Question 6

Intersexual selection

Answer 6

-Mate choice
Individuals of one sex (usually females) are choosy in selecting a mate
Women are more discriminating to who they pick as a sex partner

Question 7

CLARK AND HATFIELD

Answer 7

Male and female psychology students
Asked others around campus: “Do you want to sleep with me tonight”

0% of females agreed
75% of males agreed

Question 8

What does Clark and Hatfield’s study support?

Answer 8

Supports intersexual selection as it suggests women are choosier and don’t engage in casual sex
Fear of being pregnant with the wrong mate

Question 9

Lonely Hearts Research- Waynforth and Dunbar

Answer 9

Studied a newspaper AD where men and women would describe what qualities they have and what they want in a potential partner

Women described themselves as: ‘Flirty, exciting, curvy and sexy’
Men described themselves as: ‘Successful, fit, mature and ambitious’

Supports sexual selection as women show themselves off to show men they have been through puberty and are now fertile.

Question 10

Buss

Answer 10

10,000 ps from 37 samples: Different ages, marital status and background
Asked about how important 18 characteristics were to them: Chasity, good job, physical attraction, ambition…
All 37 samples wanted the male to be older (May be due to men being more mature with age)
For women looks weren’t important
36/37 samples said financial prospects were more important for women because men are seen as the provider
Scandinavian countries: Chastity isn’t important
India, China and Indonesia: Chastity was important

Question 11

Limitations of sexual selection

Answer 11

Only looks at homosexual relationships as its nearly impossible for both parents in same sex couples to both be biological parents
Sexual selection cant be fully reliable as in different cultures things like sex before marriage aren’t allowed