SAS 1 - Evolutionary Perspective in Understanding the Self

evolutionary psychology

science that studies how psychological processes have evolved by means of natural selection

The Basics of Darwin’s Theory

Darwin provided the cause for the observed changes in species and biological structures over time:

• natural selection

• adaptation

natural selection

a process that causes species to evolve over time by favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environment

adaptation

a change in an organism’s physical characteristics that helps it survive and reproduce

Features of Natural Selection

1. There is a natural variability within a species.

2. Only some individual differences are heritable.

3. The interaction between the attributes of an organism and the demands of the environment in which it lives allows natural selection to operate.

Clearing Misconceptions

• “Survival of the Fittest” is not the same as being the strongest or being the most aggressive.

• Natural selection does not necessarily lead to optimal adaptations in a given situation.

The Badjao Tribe—”Sea Nomad”

have a genetic adaptation that gives them larger spleens, which helps them dive to great depths

How do we choose, from many potential mates, the one (or ones) with whom we reproduce?

We seek long-term mating relationships with those individuals who are most attractive to us.

How do we develop ideas about what is attractive and what is not?

An attractive mate has characteristics that tell us that our mate will help to ensure our survival as well as produce, and enhance the survival of, our children.

Why do Men and Woman mate?

to produce offspring who will pass their genes along to future generations

Mating Problems

1. Winning out over competitors in gaining access to fertile members of the opposite sex. (Genetic Dead-end)

2. Selecting mates with the greatest reproductive potential.

3. Engaging in the necessary social and sexual behavior to achieve conception.

4. Preventing the mate from defecting or deserting. (Paternal Uncertainty)

5. Ensuring the survival and reproductive success of one’s own offspring. (Cinderella Effect)

genetic dead-end

a genetic lineage or trait that, doe to its characteristics, is unlikely to produce viable offspring or further evolve

paternal uncertainty

the state of being unsure if a man is the biological father of a child

cinderella effect

a theory in evolutionary psychology that suggests stepparents abuse their stepchildren more than biological parents

Human Mate Selection

• humans have evolved to form intense, long-term bonds with a partner to ensure that human offspring survive to reproductive age

• EP argues that males and females have evolved different mating tactics and strategies

  • men reproduce widely while women reproduce wisely

  • evolution would have made men more promiscuous and less discriminating in their choice of sexual partners than women

Males and Females Value Most Highly

• kindness and understanding

• intelligence

Males Value More than Do Females:

• good looks

• youth—associated with “fertility”

Females Value More than Do Males:

• good earning capacity

• industriousness

emotional infidelity

females will react more aversively to _____

sexual infidelity

males will react more aversively to _____

assortative mating

the coupling of individuals based on their similarity on one or more characteristics

Variables that Affect Assortment

• age

• race

• religion

• political beliefs

• ethnic background

• socioeconomic status

• overall physical attractiveness

• psychological characteristics: attitudes, opinions, and worldviews

• cognitive abilities (moderately assorted)

• personality variables

• physical location (neighborhood or geographical region)