Biosocial Theory Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is biosocial theory characterized by?

Emphasizing social factors only.

Relationship between biology and environment.

Concepts linking psycho-social factors to physiology, genetics and evolution. (correct)

Concepts linking psycho-social factors to physiology.

Biosocial theory describes the relationship between the and _ components of human behaviors and the human experience.

Biological & Social

Discipline that applies _ to the study of animal and human __________.

evolutionary biology, social behavior

What is the scope and focus of biosocial theory?

Focuses on the evolution of the human species and the interplay between biological and social components to explain human behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are concepts and key terms in biosocial theory? (Select all that apply)

Natural Selection Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'fitness' refer to?

Refers to the ability to fit within the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is inclusive fitness?

Taking relatives of an individual's fitness into consideration. Signup and view all the answers

Define reciprocal altruism.

Process of working together for mutual benefits with reciprocating partners. Signup and view all the answers

What are proximate causes?

Immediate explanation for causing something observed. Signup and view all the answers

What are ultimate causes?

Underlying explanation for causing something observed. Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic assumptions of biosocial theory?

Humans have an evolutionary origin; the family plays a significant role in evolution; biology influences families today; biosocial influences are both biological and social. Signup and view all the answers

What is one strength of biosocial theory?

Timeless theory that aids in understanding today's family and human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a weakness of biosocial theory?

Disagreement over basic tenets and difficulty disentangling nature and nurture in research. Signup and view all the answers

Who contributed to the development of biosocial theory?

Charles Darwin, W.D. Hamilton, Edward Osbourne Wilson, Hans J. Eysenck. Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Darwin explain?

How our species developed through the process of evolution. Signup and view all the answers

What did W.D. Hamilton contribute to biosocial theory?

Extended Darwin's theory by adding societal and cultural influences to selection. Signup and view all the answers

What focus did Edward Osbourne Wilson have?

How genes influence individual behaviors, which have evolved to ensure survival. Signup and view all the answers

What did Hans J. Eysenck explain?

The role of genetic dispositions in human personalities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biosocial Theory Overview

Biosocial theory connects psycho-social factors with physiology, genetics, and evolution.
It highlights the interplay between biological and social components in human behaviors.

Scope and Focus

Emphasizes the evolution of the human species and how biological factors interact with social influences.
Applies evolutionary thinking to analyze human and family dynamics.

Key Concepts and Terminology

Adaptation: The process through which species adjust to their environments over time.
Fitness: Ability to thrive within a specific environment.
Inclusive Fitness: Consideration of an individual's relatives when assessing fitness.
Reciprocal Altruism: Mutual cooperation between individuals for shared benefits.
Proximate Causes: Immediate explanations for behaviors, viewed from an individual perspective.
Ultimate Causes: Deep-rooted evolutionary explanations for behaviors, sometimes called "Root Causes."

Basic Assumptions

Humans have evolutionary origins and family dynamics significantly influence evolution.
Evolutionary history informs contemporary family structures, with proximate biology affecting familial behavior.
Biosocial influences encompass biological, social, and biosocial factors that impact human conduct.
Adaptation processes vary across environments, providing insights into human biological features.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Offers a timeless framework for understanding contemporary human and family behaviors.
Weaknesses: Challenges include disagreements on core principles, difficulties in separating nature from nurture, and contradictions in behavioral predictions.

Contributors to Biosocial Theory

Charles Darwin: Illustrated species development through evolutionary processes.
W.D. Hamilton: Expanded Darwin's theories by incorporating societal and cultural aspects, supporting inclusive fitness.
Edward Osbourne Wilson: Analyzed how genes impact individual behaviors, emphasizing survival.
Hans J. Eysenck: Focused on the genetic basis of human personalities.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of biosocial theory, highlighting the connections between biological and social components in human behavior. It covers definitions and important terms related to the intersection of psychology, physiology, genetics, and evolution. Test your understanding of this interdisciplinary approach!