Lecture 3 evolution

These flashcards capture key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on evolution in Psychology 101.

Evolution

The process through which species change over time through natural selection.

Proximate explanation

Immediate causes of behavior that occur within an individual’s lifetime.

Ultimate explanation

Long-term causes of behavior related to the evolution of a species.

Variation

Differences among individuals within a species.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Competition

The struggle among individuals for limited resources.

Sexual selection

A form of natural selection focusing on an individual's ability to attract mates.

Natural selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Parental investment theory

Natural selection favors the sex that invests more in offspring to be 'choosier' in mate selection.

Cisgender

A person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.

Sexual fidelity

The commitment to remain faithful to one sexual partner.

Attractive stranger study

Research conducted by Clarke & Hatfield (1989) assessing responses to three mate-seeking questions.

Darwin's three facts of life

Variation, heredity, and competition are essential for understanding evolution.

The Origin of Species

A groundbreaking book by Charles Darwin that established the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Infertility signals

Physical traits that indicate reproductive health and potential.

Better health signals

Masculine features often correlate with higher fertility and better health.

Desire for younger partners

A common trend seen in mating preferences, particularly among men.

Masculine features

Facial characteristics typically associated with higher levels of testosterone.

Statistical significance

A mathematical determination that a relationship exists between variables.

Confounding variables

Extras that can affect the outcome of an experiment or study.

Speed dating study

Research examining social interactions and mate selection during brief encounters.

Inferring attraction

Using observable characteristics to determine romantic interest.

Romantic selectivity

The degree to which individuals are particular about choosing partners.

Cultural influences

The ways in which culture shapes preferences in mate selection.

Feminine traits

Qualities traditionally associated with women that can influence mate preference.

Mate Preference Sex Differentiation Index

A measure of the degree to which different sexes prefer different mate attributes.

Gender equality

The state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender.

Jealousy measures

Assessing the reasons a person feels jealousy in romantic relationships.

Social norms

Expected patterns of behavior within a society.

The 'Leo Law' effect

Trend of older men dating significantly younger women.

Preference for financial stability

A common trait women may prioritize in potential partners.

Tinder dynamics

Patterns of user behavior and preferences on dating applications.

Youthfulness preference

An inclination towards younger partners, often seen in males.

Niche construction

When organisms modify their environment to suit their needs.

Phylogenetic tree

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among species.

Social-communicative attributes

Characteristics related to social interaction that may influence mate choice.

Emotional fidelity

A commitment to remain emotionally loyal to one partner.

Romantic chemistry

The perceived bond based on attraction between partners.

Men's health preferences

Health-based characteristics that men may seek in potential mates.

Jealousy in context

How jealousy often differs based on personal insecurity and partner dynamics.

Anthropoid similarities

Resemblances between modern humans and ancestral primates.

Bitinous relationship

A study finding a connection between varying traits and reproductive success.

Causal analysis

Breaking down factors that influence mating behaviors.

Diversity in mating strategies

Different approaches partners may take based on sexual orientation or preference.

Cultural biases

Societal pressures impacting individual choices in love and relationships.

Biological imperatives

Instinctual drives influencing mating behaviors.

Masculine rejection traits

Characteristics in males that women may interpret negatively.

Demographic variances

Differences in preferences based on evolutionary or cultural backgrounds.

Sexual strategies theory

A framework for understanding the varying reproductive strategies across genders.

Research design requirements

Necessary elements to develop an effective study or hypothesis.

Research theory

Frameworks guiding the exploration of specific topics in psychology.

Social pressures on mate selection

Influences that society places on individual choices in romantic partners.

Sexual orientation effects

The influence of an individual's sexual identity on their choices.

Research on cisgender behavior

Studies focused on straight individuals' behaviors and preferences.

Evolutionary psychology

The study of how evolutionary forces shape human behavior and cognition.

Mating psychology

The study of psychological factors that influence mate selection.

Challenging traditional views

Research that contradicts or adds nuance to established beliefs about mating.