Psych Exam 2: Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology

study of mind and behavior through biological evolution

Psychological adaptation

brain information processing system selected for survival or reproduction

Natural selection

inherited traits that aid survival and reproduction become more common

Mutation

random gene replication error that creates change

We inherit adaptations not behavior

genes build mental programs that shape behavior across situations

Learnability differs

some things are easier to learn because brains are tuned by evolution

Romantic jealousy

different threats matter for men and women in pair bonding

Paternity certainty concern

men attend to cues of sexual fidelity

Investment certainty concern

women attend to cues of commitment and provisioning

Reproduction focus

evolution favors traits that boost reproductive success over mere survival

Long term partner universals

kindness intelligence dependability and good health are widely valued

Female long term preferences

resources status ambition somewhat older dependable partner

Male long term preferences

cues of fertility youthfulness symmetry low waist to hip ratio and fidelity signals

Waist to hip ratio cue

around point seven is often preferred as a fertility signal

Physical attractiveness cues

clear skin full lips lustrous hair energetic movement and facial symmetry

Social scripts

cultural guides that channel evolved preferences in daily life

Culture feedback loop

media reflects evolved preferences and then strengthens them in audiences

Sex differences are average

overlap is large individuals vary and culture can calibrate preferences

Domain specificity

brain uses specialized systems for tasks like mate choice parenting and threat avoidance

Mismatches

modern environments can trigger old programs in unhelpful ways