Evolutionary Theory

Evolution

The process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth. ​

Sexual selection

• a type of natural selection that occurs through preference by one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex. ​

• For example, the evolutionary psychology stereotype would be that our female ancestors tended to choose tall, muscular males who could protect them and their children, and that this led to these males passing their genes on to the next generation.​

Buss cross-cultural study - aim

3 hypotheses
1. Men want fertile&young women 

2. Women want men who provide 

3. Men value chastity 

Buss cross-cultural study - procedure

• asked to take two surveys – one about biographical data like age they prefer and age differences + children desired

• asked to rate 18 characteristics from most to least desirable 

• all questions are translated into participants language than back translated so language confusion will not be a confounding variable 

Buss cross-cultural study - findings

Found men place a very high importance on YOUTH. – more fertility, and healthy babies

Found women desire OLDER mates as well as men with HIGHER SOCIAL STATUS. – more financial support and appears strong

Did not prove us men valuing chastity, could be seen as more sociocultural