Evolutionary Psychology and Altruism

Flashcards covering key concepts of altruism, cooperation, and evolutionary psychology from the lecture notes.

What is the theory that predicts altruism among genetic relatives?

Inclusive fitness theory.

What is the behavior where individuals provide benefits to non-relatives in hopes of reciprocation?

Reciprocal altruism.

What is the key to cooperation in the iterated prisoner's dilemma?

The game must be played multiple times without knowing when it will end.

What strategy was found to be the most effective in the computer tournament for the prisoner’s dilemma?

Tit for tat strategy.

What are the three key features of the 'tit for tat' strategy?

1. Never be the first to defect, 2. Retaliate after the first defection, 3. Be forgiving.

What is the problem of cheating in the context of reciprocal altruism?

The risk that someone could take benefits without reciprocating.

How do vampire bats exhibit reciprocal altruism?

They share regurgitated blood with friends in need.

What is indirect reciprocity?

Altruistic acts that are observed by others, which can lead to greater trust and cooperation.

What does costly signaling theory suggest about altruism?

Individuals display acts of altruism to signal that they are worthy allies.

How does punishment of non-cooperators relate to evolutionary benefits?

Punishers can gain a reputation that enhances their opportunity for cooperation.

What is one reason people are good at detecting cheaters?

Humans have evolved to respond to social exchanges structured around costs and benefits.

What is the outcome when people observe non-cooperators experiencing punishment?

It activates reward centers in the brain, illustrating pleasure in punishing unfair players.

What two strategies did researchers find effective for detecting cheating?

Perspective shifting and cheater detection memory.