Unit 3: Biological Psychology AP Psychology Unit 3: Biological Psychology Module 15: Explain key behaviors that evolutionary psychologists believe exist because of their adaptive value. Logo Green is R=8 G=138 B=76 Blue is R= 0 G=110 B=184 Border Grey is R=74 G=69 B=64

Biological Psychology We are here Nervous System Central Nervous System Brain Brain Imaging Peripheral Nervous System Building Blocks Genetics Evolutionary Endocrine System Neurotransmitters Somatic Autonomic Sympathetic Parasympathetic Biological Psychology Spinal Cord Neurons Sensory Motor

Module 15: Evolutionary Psychology Basics Outline Evolutionary Psychology Basics Natural Selection Gene producing machines Definition Explain key behaviors that evolutionary psychologists believe exist because of their adaptive value. Phobias Language Mate Selection

Natural Selection Natural selection is an evolutionary process through which adaptive traits are passed on to ongoing generations because these traits help animals survive and reproduce. According to natural selection, those organisms that are best adapted to their environment are most likely to survive and reproduce. Thus their genes are more likely to get passed along. Outline OBJECTIVE 11| State the principle of natural selection, and point out some possible effects of natural selection in the development of human characteristics.

Evolutionary Psychology Outline According to evolutionary psychologists, all organisms, including humans, are "gene-producing machines" with the basic motivation of perpetuating their own genetic pool. In short, our genes predispose us to act in ways that enhance their chances of surviving and spreading. This fundamental motive underlies all our behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology Outline Study the origins of behavior and mental processes emphasizing the adaptive or survival value of such traits Behavioral Genetics attempts to explain differences in populations and attribute how much of that is due to genes Evolutionary Psychology attempts to explain common behavior BY LOOKING AT WHAT WAS HELPFUL TO SURVIVAL OF THE SPECIES

Human Traits Outline A number of human traits have been identified as a result of pressures afforded by natural selection. Stranger Anxiety: Why do infants fear strangers when they become mobile? Parental Love Why are most parents so passionately devoted to their children? Phobias Why do people fear spiders and snakes?

Language Outline (Pinker 1994,1997,2002) All children acquire language without specific instruction This happens in all cultures at about the same age and in the same stages The nature of all human languages is the same (nouns, verbs, subjects, questions etc.) Conclusion: Our brains are hardwired for language. Even identified a gene found only in humans believed to be linked to this.

Cross-Cultural Surveys. Outline In a survey of 37 cultures involving more than 10,000 participants, Buss (1989) tested predictions concerning sex differences in mate preferences. Participants were asked to rate the importance of each of 18 characteristics in a potential mate using a 4-point scale. 'good companion', 'considerate', 'honest', 'affectionate', 'dependable‘. 'fond of children', ‘good earning capacity', ‘industrious' , ‘intelligent’, ‘good sense of humour’ 'physically attractive', 'good looking', 'good cook', and 'frugal'.

Females preferred: good financial prospects industriousness Outline good financial prospects industriousness This was mirrored in marriage records in 27 countries, as women consistently married men several years older than themselves.

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physical attractiveness youth Males Preferred Outline physical attractiveness youth In every culture males preferred females who were younger than them while females preferred males who were slightly older. Chastity

Sprecher et al., (1994). Outline They measured mate preferences in 13,000 single adults. Respondents considered 12 possible assets or liabilities in a potential marriage partner using a 7-point scale and indicated their willingness to marry someone possessing such traits. As in previous studies they found that women were more willing to marry someone who was slightly older than themselves, who was employed, who earned more, and who was better educated, good looks were not high on their list. Males showed the opposite pattern (i.e. someone younger, attractive, not necessarily employed or intelligent).

Sigh . . . . Russell Clark and Elaine Hatfield (1978) “I have been noticing you around campus and I find you to be very attractive. Would you go to bed with me tonight? Outline Russell Clark and Elaine Hatfield (1978) Average-looking student research assistants Women = 0% Men = 75% Some men replied “Why do we have to wait until tonight. Repeated in 1982 and in the late 1980s with the same results. (50-75% of the men said yes.)

Buss & Schmidt, Psychological Review , 100, 204-232, 1993 Outline Buss & Schmidt, Psychological Review , 100, 204-232, 1993

Gender Differences in Sexuality Human Sexuality Outline Gender Differences in Sexuality Males and females, to a large extent, behave and think similarly. Differences in sexes arise in regards to reproductive behaviors. Due to the reproductive reality, it would seem most adaptive for women to find a mate that gives the best genes, resources, and long-term parental care. Males can pass on as many genes as they can find willing partners. OBJECTIVE 12| Identify gender differences in sexuality.

What Women Want? Healthy looking men Affluent Mature Dominant Bold (Singh 1995) Healthy looking men Affluent Mature Dominant Bold Offer long-term mating and investment (Gangestad and Simpson 2000) Outline OBJECTIVE 13| Describe evolutionary explanations for gender differences in sexuality.

Explanation of Partner Selection in Women Outline Females have evolved mechanisms that enable them to detect men that will transfer resources to their offspring (i.e. health and paternal investment ). These are sometimes referred to as 'good provider' and 'good genes' attributes in the male OBJECTIVE 13| Describe evolutionary explanations for gender differences in sexuality.

What Guys Want? A waist to hip ratio (WHR) of about 0.7 (the hour glass figure) Full lips and small noses Youthfulness These features are associated with a strong immune system, high estrogen level, and developmental stability Outline OBJECTIVE 13| Describe evolutionary explanations for gender differences in sexuality.

Explanation of Partner Selection in Men Outline Males have evolved mechanisms that enable them to detect females that promise rapid production of offspring, and a disinclination to mate with other men (i.e. health, fertility and faithfulness ) OBJECTIVE 13| Describe evolutionary explanations for gender differences in sexuality.