Evolutionary Psychology of Social Behaviour (copy)

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary theory helps to explain human behavior and social structures.

Common Misconceptions

Commonly held but inaccurate beliefs about a subject, such as viewing human nature as purely selfish in evolutionary psychology.

Pair-bonded groups

Social structures where one female mates with multiple males or one male mates with multiple females, exemplified by species like Gibbons and Gorillas.

Fission-fusion societies

Social groups, like those of humans and Chimpanzees, where group composition changes frequently.

Role of Grooming in Primates

A crucial social function that helps establish bonds and hierarchies among primates.

Semi-solitary species

Species, like Orangutans, that primarily live alone but may form temporary groups.

Fossil Evidence in Social Behavior

Fossils suggesting early hominids lived in vulnerable environments, leading to social cooperation for survival.

Benefits of Group Living

Advantages such as enhanced predator detection, better resource access, and social learning opportunities.

Constraints of Group Living

Disadvantages including resource competition and potential pathogen transmission.

Survival of the Friendliest (Self-domestication)

Concept indicating that certain morphological (structural) changes in Homo sapiens relate to increased cooperative behaviour.

• Smaller faces and jaws

• Reduced brow ridges

• More rounded skulls

• Less sexual dimorphism (differences in appearance between males and females of the same species).

This concept suggests that traits promoting social bonding and cooperation among individuals enhance survival and reproductive success in human populations.

Kin Altruism

The theory where individuals exhibit self-sacrificing behaviors for relatives.

Inclusive Fitness Theory

The idea that individuals can increase their genetic success through altruistic behaviors towards relatives.

Parental Investment Theory

Investment by parents that enhances the survival of their offspring at a cost to themselves.

Grandmother Hypothesis

The theory that suggests investment by grandparents aids in the survival of grandchildren.

Parent-Offspring Conflict

Conflicts that arise over resources and reproductive decisions within familial relationships.

Reciprocal Altruism

The practice of providing a benefit to another with the expectation of future return.

Prerequisites for Reciprocal Altruism

Conditions required for reciprocal altruism, including cost-benefit considerations and individual recognition.

Aché Tribe

A tribe known for sharing food and practicing shared paternity.

Yanomamö

A group noted for their trade practices and complex inter-group relations.

Non-Reciprocal Acts of Altruism

Acts of kindness, such as blood donation, that may challenge the concept of pure altruism.

In-Group Loyalty

The tendency for individuals to prefer and support members of their own group.

Out-Group Hostility

Aggressive tendencies demonstrated towards individuals not belonging to one's own group.

Robbers Cave Experiment

A study demonstrating how group identities can form and escalate conflict.

Human Sociality

The complex nature of human social interactions shaped significantly by evolutionary processes.

Morphological Signals in Humans

Physical changes in humans, such as facial structure alterations, indicating decreased aggression.

2D:4D Digit Ratio

A measure that indicates prenatal androgen exposure and may be related to social behaviors.

Increased Oxytocin

A hormone linked to social bonding and affectionate behaviors.

K-Selection

A reproductive strategy characterized by high parental care and investment.

Cost to Actor (c)

In kin altruism, this represents the expense incurred by the altruist.

Coefficient of Relatedness (r)

A measure of genetic relatedness between individuals, affecting altruistic behavior.

Benefit to Recipient (b)

In kin altruism, the advantage that the recipient gains from the altruistic act.

Pilgrim Fathers Case

An example illustrating the role of kin support in survival, relevant to kin altruism.

Burnstein et al. Study

Research showing that kinship influences altruistic behaviors manipulated by recipient characteristics.

Trivers' Parental Investment Theory (1972)

The principle stating that parental investment impacts survival chances and reproductive success.

Extended Lifespan in Reciprocity

The necessity of living long enough to interact with individuals multiple times to facilitate reciprocation.

Aché Tribe Practices

Social behaviors within the Aché Tribe that highlight the concept of reciprocal altruism.

Conflict Factors in Group Dynamics

Elements that contribute to group tensions and identity formation, as explored in social psychology.

Social Evolution

The process by which human social structures and behaviors have developed over millennia.