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What is the definition of evolutionary psychology?
What is the definition of evolutionary psychology?
Evolutionary psychology examines how evolutionary principles, such as natural and sexual selection, shape psychological processes and behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology aims to understand the development of individual differences and variations.
Evolutionary psychology aims to understand the development of individual differences and variations.
False
Which of the following is NOT a key principle of evolutionary psychology?
Which of the following is NOT a key principle of evolutionary psychology?
What is the main idea behind natural selection?
What is the main idea behind natural selection?
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Fear of snakes is an example of a trait that is adaptive, according to evolutionary psychology.
Fear of snakes is an example of a trait that is adaptive, according to evolutionary psychology.
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Which of the following is an example of intersexual selection?
Which of the following is an example of intersexual selection?
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What is the meaning of adaptation, as it is understood in evolutionary psychology?
What is the meaning of adaptation, as it is understood in evolutionary psychology?
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The ______ of Evolutionary Adaptedness refers to the conditions under which human psychological traits evolved.
The ______ of Evolutionary Adaptedness refers to the conditions under which human psychological traits evolved.
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Which of the following is NOT an example of a major theory in evolutionary psychology?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a major theory in evolutionary psychology?
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What is the core idea behind Parental Investment Theory?
What is the core idea behind Parental Investment Theory?
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According to Kin Selection, altruistic behaviors towards relatives are driven by the desire to ensure the survival of shared genes.
According to Kin Selection, altruistic behaviors towards relatives are driven by the desire to ensure the survival of shared genes.
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What is an example of Reciprocal Altruism?
What is an example of Reciprocal Altruism?
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Error Management Theory proposes that humans evolved to minimize costly errors in decision-making.
Error Management Theory proposes that humans evolved to minimize costly errors in decision-making.
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How does evolutionary psychology explain mate preferences?
How does evolutionary psychology explain mate preferences?
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Evolutionary psychology suggests that parental investment in offspring is higher for biologically related children compared to stepchildren.
Evolutionary psychology suggests that parental investment in offspring is higher for biologically related children compared to stepchildren.
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Which of the following is NOT an example of how evolutionary psychology can explain social behavior?
Which of the following is NOT an example of how evolutionary psychology can explain social behavior?
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What is the main idea behind the evolutionary explanation of fear and phobias?
What is the main idea behind the evolutionary explanation of fear and phobias?
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A major critique of evolutionary psychology is that it is difficult to test hypotheses about ancestral environments.
A major critique of evolutionary psychology is that it is difficult to test hypotheses about ancestral environments.
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Which of the following is NOT a recognized criticism of evolutionary psychology?
Which of the following is NOT a recognized criticism of evolutionary psychology?
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What is the main takeaway from evolutionary psychology?
What is the main takeaway from evolutionary psychology?
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Study Notes
Evolutionary Psychology
- Evolutionary psychology examines how evolutionary principles (like natural and sexual selection) shape psychological processes and behaviors.
- Studying evolutionary psychology helps understand universal behaviors and cognitive mechanisms.
- It highlights how adaptations solve survival and reproduction challenges.
Key Principles of Evolutionary Psychology
- Natural Selection: Traits enhancing survival and reproduction are more likely passed to future generations. (Example: Fear of snakes as a survival mechanism)
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Sexual Selection: Traits increasing mating success are favored.
- Intersexual Selection: Traits attractive to potential mates (e.g., peacock feathers).
- Intrasexual Selection: Traits aiding competition within the same sex (e.g., antlers in deer).
- Adaptation: Psychological and behavioral traits evolved to solve ancestral problems. (Example: Memory systems evolved to recognize allies and threats)
- Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA): The conditions under which human psychological traits evolved. (Example: Preference for high-calorie foods, beneficial in times of scarcity but problematic in abundance)
Major Theories in Evolutionary Psychology
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Parental Investment Theory: Explains sex differences in mating strategies based on reproductive costs.
- Females invest heavily in offspring, leading to selectivity in mate choice.
- Males compete for access to mates due to lower reproductive costs.
- Kin Selection: Altruistic behaviors toward relatives enhance the survival of shared genes.
Applications
- Mating and Relationships: Explains mate preferences, jealousy, and bonding (e.g., preferences for health and fertility indicators).
- Parenting: Emphasizes protecting offspring and ensuring survival (e.g., higher investment in biologically related vs. stepchildren).
- Social Behavior: Altruism, cooperation, and group dynamics are shaped by evolutionary pressures. (e.g., punishing freeloaders)
- Fear and Phobias: Evolved to protect individuals from survival threats (e.g., fear of heights or predators).
Critiques of Evolutionary Psychology
- Speculative Nature: Difficulty testing hypotheses about past environments.
- Cultural Variation: Overemphasis on universality, neglecting substantial cultural influences.
- Reductionism: Reducing complex behaviors to simple evolutionary explanations, neglecting social and cognitive factors.
- Gender Stereotyping: Risk of reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Key Takeaways
- Evolutionary psychology provides a framework for understanding universal human behaviors.
- Adaptive traits address specific survival and reproductive challenges.
- Integrating cultural, social, and environmental factors is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of behavior.
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Description
This quiz delves into the principles of evolutionary psychology, examining how natural and sexual selection influence psychological processes and behaviors. It explores adaptations that enhance survival and reproduction, providing insights into universal behaviors and cognitive mechanisms essential for understanding human psychology.
