Understanding Human Nature and Evolutionary Psychology

Understanding Human Nature and Evolution of Behavior

• Evolutionary Psychology

  • Studies how the mind and behavior are shaped by evolutionary principles, particularly natural selection.

• Natural Selection

  • Principles that suggest among inherited trait variations, those that enhance reproduction and survival are more likely to be passed on to future generations.

  • Key Steps:

  • Organisms vary and their offspring compete for survival.

  • Certain biological and behavioral variations increase reproductive and survival chances in their environment.

  • Offspring that survive pass on their genes to future generations, leading to changes in population characteristics over time.

• Adaptation and Mutation

  • Mutation: A random error in gene replication resulting in change, contributing to adaptability.

  • Adaptive flexibility (our ability to adjust to environmental changes) enhances survival and reproductive success.

  • Genome: Our common genetic profile, with 95% of genetic variation existing within populations.

Evolutionary Explanation of Human Sexuality

• Gender Differences in Sexuality

  • Men often interpret a woman's friendliness as a sign of sexual interest.

• Natural Selection and Mating Preferences

  • Women generally nurse one infant at a time, while men can spread their genes across multiple partners.

  • Natural Yearnings: Reflect our genes' mechanisms to ensure reproduction.

  • Men are attracted to younger women as they are viewed as having more childbearing years, thus increasing the chances of gene transmission.

  • Women's preferences lean towards mature, dominant men who show signs of being good long-term partners and investors in offspring.

Nature and Nurture: Influences on Behavior

• Biological Influences:

  1. Shared human genome.

  2. Individual genetic variations.

  3. Prenatal environment impacts.

  4. Sex-related genes, hormones, and physiology.

• Psychological Influences:

  1. Gene-environment interactions.

  2. Neurological effects of early experiences.

  3. Personal responses evoked by gender/personality traits.

  4. Beliefs, feelings, and expectations.

• Social-Cultural Influences:

  1. Parental influences on development.

  2. Peer influences shaping behavior.

  3. Cultural attitudes and norms.

  4. Cultural gender norms that influence individual development.

Summary on Influences of Development

• All three categories: biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences, together play a role in individual human development.