Two Different Approaches to Psychology SSSM Standard Social Science ModelEP Evolutionary Psychology
Major Contrast SSSM All is Learned No instincts General ProcessorEP Some is innate Some Instincts Modularity
EP Principles Assumptions Humans Evolved Theory of Natural selection Traits vary across generations Traits that promote survival & reproduction naturally selected Naturally Selected traits passed on to next generation Applied to Brain and Behavior Social Behavior as set of Adaptations Methods and Topics
Important Evolutionary Changes for Humans Bipedalism Frees up the hands Climbing Throwing Opposable Thumbs Dexterity Tools Big Brains Language Complex Emotions & Social Behavior Consciousness?
Example of EP Research: Mate selection Physical Attractiveness : More important for males
Example of EP Research: Mate selection Physical Attractiveness : More important for males Financial Status: More important for females
Example of EP Research: Logical Thinking Wason Selection Task
RULE: If a D is on one side, there must be a 3 on the other side. DF37
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Instincts: Depth Perception
Violence: Homicide 86% homicides committed by males Most victims male No society in which females > males Why do men kill? ‘altercations’ 2 x rate for domestic quarrels 5 x rate for robberies Culture ? Status and Honor: adaptations related to mate selection
What about culture?
A Scientific American article (June 1999) accounts for the high murder rates in the South on the grounds of a "culture of honor". A white man living in a small county in the South is four times more likely to kill than one living in a small county in the Midwest. Southerners showed higher levels of cortisol and testosterone in response to an insult. Murder rates due to arguments are higher in the South and Southwest, but murder rates associated with felony (robbery or burglary) are lower
Misinterpretations Genes are not Blueprints (do not determine) Genes more like recipes (guide) EP is not Biological Determinism EP is not Genes + Environment EP IS Genes x Environment CULTURE (Environment) matters!
Applications of EP: Brains, Intelligence, Talent Human Cognitive ability and design
Spandrels
Applications of EP: Brains, Intelligence, Talent Human Cognitive ability and design We were NOT designed to do all that we can do! Exaptations
Applications of EP: Brains, Intelligence, Talent Human Cognitive ability and design We were NOT designed to do all that we can do! Exaptations Race, Cultural Differences and Intelligence
Applications of EP: Brains, Intelligence, Talent Human Cognitive ability and design We were NOT designed to do all that we can do! Exaptations Race, Cultural Differences and Intelligence Gender
Applications of EP: Brains, Intelligence, Talent Human Cognitive ability and design We were NOT designed to do all that we can do! Exaptations Race, Cultural Differences and Intelligence Gender Talent and Success: Geniuses made or born? Inherited? Learned?
Success Factors 10,000 hour rule Context Influence Parents Peers Others Luck!
More Applications Personality Psychopathology