PSY 316 midterm

Sexual selection

The process by which certain traits increase an individual's chances of mating and reproducing.

Parental investment theory

A theory that suggests the amount of investment a parent makes in their offspring influences mating strategies and behaviors.

Promiscuity

The practice of engaging in casual sexual relationships with multiple partners.

Incest avoidance

Cultural and social norms that discourage sexual relations between close relatives.

Non reproductive

Activities or behaviors that do not lead to reproduction.

Sex determination

The biological mechanism that determines the sex of an organism.

Sexual dimorphism

The differences in appearance between male and female members of the same species.

Cuckoldry

A situation in which a man raises offspring that are not biologically his due to infidelity.

Fitness indicator

A trait that signals an individual's genetic quality to potential mates.

Serial monogamy

A pattern of having a series of monogamous relationships, one after the other.

Polygyny

A mating system in which one male mates with multiple females.

Polygamy

A marriage system in which a person has more than one spouse simultaneously.

Polyandry

A mating system in which one female mates with multiple males.

Survey sampling methods

Techniques used to select individuals from a population for participation in a survey.

Correlational methods

Research methods that examine the relationship between two or more variables.

Random assignment

A technique used in experiments to assign participants to different groups randomly.

Operational definitions

Specific explanations of abstract concepts that allow for measurement.

Reliability

The consistency of a measure or test over time.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Informed consent

The process of obtaining permission from participants after they have been fully informed about the study.

Oxytocin

A hormone associated with bonding, sexual reproduction, and childbirth.

Aphrodisiacs

Substances that increase sexual desire or arousal.

Pheromones

Chemical signals released by an individual that affect the behavior of others of the same species.

Intersex

A condition in which an individual has biological characteristics of both male and female sexes.

Gender identity acquisition

Know the genetic and hormonal factors in normal gender development.

Rapid-onset gender dysphoria

A term referring to a sudden onset of gender dysphoria, often discussed in the context of childhood gender nonconformity.

Gender assignment

The classification of a person as male or female at birth based on physical anatomy.

Gender expression

The external display of gender, through a combination of dress, demeanor, social behavior, and other factors.

Cisgender

A term for individuals whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.

Androgynous

A gender expression that is a mix of both male and female characteristics.

Dysphoria

A state of unease or dissatisfaction, often associated with a mismatch between one's experienced gender and assigned gender.

Transvestism

The practice of dressing in clothing typically associated with the opposite gender.

Drag queens and kings

Performers who dress in clothing and adopt gender expressions typically associated with the opposite gender for entertainment purposes.

Autogynephilia

A term used to describe a male's sexual arousal at the thought of himself as a female.

Third gender

Cultural categories that exist outside of the traditional male and female binary.

Sworn virgins

Women in certain cultures who take a vow of chastity and live as men.

Afghan Bacha Posh

Girls in Afghanistan who are raised as boys to fulfill social roles.

Hijra

A traditional third gender in South Asia, often recognized as a distinct social group.

Fa'Fafine

A recognized gender identity in Samoan culture that embodies both male and female traits.

Spectrum of sexual orientations

The range of sexual orientations that individuals may identify with, including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and more.

Homophobia

Negative attitudes and beliefs towards individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

Behavior vs preference

The distinction between sexual behavior (what individuals do) and sexual preference (what individuals are attracted to).

Kinsey and NHSLS survey data

Research data that provides insights into sexual behavior and orientation in the population.

Fraternal birth order hypothesis

A theory suggesting that the number of older brothers a male has increases the likelihood of him being gay.

Psychological adjustment of homosexuals

The mental health outcomes and adaptation processes of individuals who identify as homosexual.

Sternberg's love triangle

A model that describes love as consisting of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Social exchange theory

A theory that views relationships as a process of negotiating costs and benefits.

Reciprocal liking

The phenomenon where people tend to like others who show that they like them.