Questions and Answers
What is biosocial theory characterized by?
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?
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Which of the following are concepts and key terms in biosocial theory? (Select all that apply)
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What does the term 'fitness' refer to?
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What is inclusive fitness?
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Define reciprocal altruism.
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What are proximate causes?
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What are ultimate causes?
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What are the basic assumptions of biosocial theory?
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What is one strength of biosocial theory?
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What is a weakness of biosocial theory?
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Who contributed to the development of biosocial theory?
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What did Charles Darwin explain?
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What did W.D. Hamilton contribute to biosocial theory?
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What focus did Edward Osbourne Wilson have?
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What did Hans J. Eysenck explain?
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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!