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Questions and Answers
Which evolutionary process favors traits that increase an organism's ability to successfully compete for mates, even if those traits do not directly enhance survival?
Which evolutionary process favors traits that increase an organism's ability to successfully compete for mates, even if those traits do not directly enhance survival?
A male bird with dull plumage is more likely to survive due to better camouflage, but females of his species consistently choose to mate with males displaying bright, elaborate plumage. This is an example of what?
A male bird with dull plumage is more likely to survive due to better camouflage, but females of his species consistently choose to mate with males displaying bright, elaborate plumage. This is an example of what?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between reproductive capacity and mate preferences, as suggested by evolutionary psychology?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between reproductive capacity and mate preferences, as suggested by evolutionary psychology?
How might the concept of minimal parental investment influence mate selection strategies in different sexes?
How might the concept of minimal parental investment influence mate selection strategies in different sexes?
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Which of the following scenarios exemplifies intrasexual selection?
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies intrasexual selection?
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According to evolutionary theories, what is the primary reason for the differing mate preferences between males and females?
According to evolutionary theories, what is the primary reason for the differing mate preferences between males and females?
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Which of the following findings from Buss et al.'s research supports the evolutionary hypothesis regarding mate preferences?
Which of the following findings from Buss et al.'s research supports the evolutionary hypothesis regarding mate preferences?
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How did Wood & Eagly's research challenge the evolutionary hypothesis regarding mate preferences?
How did Wood & Eagly's research challenge the evolutionary hypothesis regarding mate preferences?
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What does the concept of 'sociosexuality' refer to in the context of evolutionary psychology?
What does the concept of 'sociosexuality' refer to in the context of evolutionary psychology?
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What key finding from Clark & Hatfield's research supports the hypothesis that males have higher sociosexuality than females?
What key finding from Clark & Hatfield's research supports the hypothesis that males have higher sociosexuality than females?
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In Buss & Schmitt's research on desired number of sexual partners, what was the general trend observed regarding gender differences?
In Buss & Schmitt's research on desired number of sexual partners, what was the general trend observed regarding gender differences?
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According to Penke & Asendorpf's research, which facet of sociosexuality exhibits the largest sex difference?
According to Penke & Asendorpf's research, which facet of sociosexuality exhibits the largest sex difference?
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How do evolutionary theories explain the observed higher sociosexuality in males compared to females?
How do evolutionary theories explain the observed higher sociosexuality in males compared to females?
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Flashcards
Natural selection
Natural selection
Process where organisms adapt traits to survive and reproduce effectively.
Sexual selection
Sexual selection
Evolutionary process where traits enhance opportunity to attract mates, not survival.
Intrasexual selection
Intrasexual selection
Competition between the same sex for mating opportunities.
Intersexual selection
Intersexual selection
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Reproductive capacity
Reproductive capacity
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Evolutionary theories and personality
Evolutionary theories and personality
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Parental investment
Parental investment
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Hypothesis A
Hypothesis A
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Research by Buss et al.
Research by Buss et al.
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Hypothesis B
Hypothesis B
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Research by Clark & Hatfield
Research by Clark & Hatfield
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Sociosexuality scale findings
Sociosexuality scale findings
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Study Notes
Biological Theories of Personality
- Natural selection: Organisms adapt traits to enhance survival and reproduction. Offspring inherit these traits. Examples include preferences for sweet, fatty, and salty foods.
- Sexual selection: Traits that enhance reproduction (not necessarily survival) develop. Two mechanisms:
- Intrasexual selection (same sex competition): Competition between same sex members for mating opportunities
- Intersexual selection (female/male choice): One sex chooses mates based on desirable traits. Examples include the peacock's plumage.
- Reproductive capacity: Males generally have higher reproductive capacity than females (e.g., more sperm produced compared to eggs).
- Minimal parental investment: Females often have a greater minimal parental investment than males due to gestation, nursing, and other care. Parental investment leads to sex differences in mate preferences.
- Males often value physical attractiveness as a sign of reproductive health.
- Females often value resources and status as signals of a partner's ability to support offspring.
Hypotheses about Sex Differences
- Evolutionary theory suggests how evolutionary factors influence personality.
- Hypothesis A: Preferences across genders are due to differences in reproductive capacity.
- Males value physical appearance more due to indicator of fertility.
- Females value financial prospects for offspring support.
- Hypothesis B: Differences in reproductive capacity and parental investment are the cause of differences in sociosexuality (willingness for uncommitted sex).
- Males tend to have higher sociosexuality than females.
Research Supporting Hypotheses
- Research by Buss et al. Supports Hypothesis A. Across 37 countries, males value good looks more than females value financial resources.
- Research by Wood & Eagly opposes Hypothesis A. Countries with higher gender equality show less emphasis of partner value based on financial resources. Emphasizes good looks in men is not influenced by gender equality
- Research by Clark & Hatfield supports Hypothesis B: Males are more likely to suggest casual sex. Females tend to prefer dates rather than casual encounters.
- Research by Buss & Schmitt supports Hypothesis B: Replicated the findings of sociosexuality across numerous countries. Males have notably higher sociosexuality/promiscuity than females.
Criticisms of Evolutionary Psychology
- Unfalsifiable: Difficult to test the hypothesis empirically.
- Controversial: Non-biological factors may influence parenting, including stepparents.
- Heteronormative and heterosexist bias: May not account for the diversity of human sexuality and relationships.
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Description
Explore the biological theories that explain personality through natural and sexual selection. This quiz discusses how traits enhance survival and reproduction, along with the implications of parental investment on mate choice. Test your understanding of these concepts and their role in personality development.
