Mod 12

Evolutionary Psychology

• Definition: Study of behavior and mind evolution under natural selection principles.

• Focus: Examines shared human traits rather than differences.

Key Concepts

• Mutation:

  • A random error in gene replication leading to change.

  • Essential for genetic variability and evolution.

• Adaptive Flexibility:

  • The ability to respond to diverse environments enhances evolutionary fitness (survival and reproduction).

Foundations of Evolutionary Psychology

• Natural Selection (Darwin's Principles):

  • Offspring variation competes for survival.

  • Variations that increase reproductive success are more likely to be passed on to future generations.

  • Example: Different bird beaks adapted to changing food sources.

• Species Genome:

  • Contains diverse gene versions shaping traits.

  • Genes that do not contribute to survival and reproduction fade from the gene pool.

Interaction of Nature and Nurture

• Genetic Legacy:

  • A common genetic profile reflects evolved traits over generations.

  • Traits that enhance survival and reproductive success are favored.

• Universal Moral Grammar:

  • Concept suggesting a shared understanding across cultures.

• Contemporary Mismatches:

  • Suggests that some prehistoric traits may not align with modern lifestyles, potentially causing problems.

Human Sexuality from an Evolutionary Perspective

• Differences in Sexuality:

  • Men: More frequent thoughts about sex, interested in uncommitted sexual relationships.

  • Women: Preference for stability and support from partners.

  • Sexual interest persists into older age (e.g., 12% of women and 50% of men aged 65-80 are still interested in sex).

• Evolutionary Explanations:

  • Men favor traits indicating fertility (e.g., narrow waist, fuller figure).

  • Women prefer traits indicating loyalty and resource availability, essential for raising offspring.

Critiques of Evolutionary Psychology

• Critics argue that it often retroactively connects current behaviors to evolutionary roots.

• Emphasis on social learning theory as an immediate explanation over ancestral decisions.

• Social Scripts:

  • Culturally modeled guides for behavior learned through observation rather than genetic evolution.

• Many traits and behaviors challenging to explain solely by natural selection.