LESSON 7: Evolutionary Psychology: Understanding Human Nature

Evolutionary Psychology

• Study of the evolution of behavior and mental processes.

• Uses principles of natural selection.

• Focuses on human similarities rather than individual differences.

• Explains why certain behaviors may have aided survival and reproduction.

Natural Selection

The principle that traits increasing survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to future generations.

Adaptation

A characteristic that improves survival and reproductive success.

Examples of Adaptation

• Sharp eyesight in birds of prey

• Camouflage in insects

• Human ability to learn and adapt

Fitness

The ability to survive and reproduce successfully.

Belyaev's Fox Experiment

Procedure:

• Selected the tamest foxes for breeding.

• Repeated the process for over 30 generations.

Results:

• Foxes became friendly and docile.

• Showed dog-like behaviours.

• Demonstrated the power of selective breeding.

Conclusion: Behaviour can evolve through selection.

Human Adaptability

Humans possess:

• Flexible intelligence

• Learning ability

• Problem-solving skills

• Environmental adaptability

Unlike many animals, humans use both:

• Genetic inheritance

• Learning and experience

Evolutionary Explanation

These shared traits evolved because they enhanced survival.

Human Genome

• Humans share more than 95% of genetic variation.

• Most genetic differences occur within populations, not between them.

Evolutionary Advantage

Behavioural tendencies that helped ancestors survive were passed to descendants.

Examples:

• Avoiding poisonous foods

• Fear of predators

• Protecting offspring

Universal Human Tendencies

Across cultures, people commonly:

• Return favors

• Prefer trustworthiness

• Protect family members

• Show moral judgments

• Form social groups

Evolutionary View

These tendencies helped our ancestors survive in groups.

Evolutionary Psychology Applications

Evolutionary psychologists attempt to explain:

• Fear of snakes and spiders

• Stranger anxiety in infants

• Parenting behaviors

• Cooperation

• Attraction and mate selection

Men and Women Similarities

• Learning

• Thinking

• Perception

• Memory

Men and Women Differences

• Mating

• Reproduction

• Parenting

men

Research suggests that they are more likely to:

• Think about sex frequently

• Initiate sexual activity

• Consume pornography

• Interpret friendliness as sexual interest

Evolutionary Explanation

Different reproductive challenges shaped different mating strategies.

Male Preferences

Often attracted to:

• Youthfulness

• Physical health

• Fertility indicators

Female Preferences

Often attracted to:

• Stability

• Resources

• Commitment

• Protection

Criticisms of Evolutionary Psychology

• Explanations may rely on hindsight.

• Some behaviours are difficult to test scientifically.

• Social and cultural factors are often overlooked.

• Risk of misinterpreting findings as genetic determinism.

Passive Correlation

Parents provide both genes and environment.

Example: Book-loving parents pass verbal ability and provide books.

Reactive Correlation

The environment responds to the individual's traits.

Example: Friendly children receive more positive social interaction.

Active Correlation

People choose environments matching their traits.

Example: Adventurous individuals seek exciting activities.