Evolutionary Psych: Understanding Nature vs. Nurture Module 15

Evolutionary Psychology Focus on what makes us alike. Based on idea of Natural Selection: Varied offspring compete for survival Certain biological and behavioral variations increase an organism’s chance at survival in a certain environment and thus increase their chances for reproduction Offspring from these organisms have a better chance at survival Thus, their characteristics begin to become dominant in the overall population In other words, “Traits that lead to survival are more likely to be passed on.”

Belyaev Fox Experiment Could you breed “tame” foxes to produce a completely domesticated fox? YES! After 30 generations of selective breeding and 45,000 foxes the new breed of fox was “docile, eager to please, and…domesticated.” In nature, random mutations (errors in gene replication) that make us more adaptable, get passed on.

Explaining Similarities: Remember, more genetic difference between individuals of a group than between two groups. Shared behaviors among the human species: Favoring sweet and fatty tasting foods over bitter (poison). Parental care for our offspring Fear for natural things like heights, storms, snakes Moral instinct to not harm others in our group.

Human Sexuality: A Natural Selection Guide to Choosing Your Mate. Males Look For: Because their part in reproduction is so easy & non- committal – look for a female who is: Healthy Waists narrower than Hips – sign of fertility Fertile Age – 20’s Females Look for: Because pregnancy is such a long and possibly difficult process – look for a male who is: Mature Dominant Affluent Long-Term Stability Both are looking for a mate that increases their chances of successfully passing on their genes. Remember, how we came to be does need to dictate how we ought to be - just because we may have this propensity, doesn’t mean we can’t overcome it.

Criticisms of Evolutionary Perspective Hindsight Explanation – Starts with the effect and works backwards to an explanation based on speculation Could lead to Genetic Determinism – belief that certain groups are genetically superior to others and therefore should selectively breed. Undercuts Moral Responsibility – The reason I cheated on my spouse is because it’s what I was bred to do. Is it genetic legacy or just social-cultural tradition? – Culture could determine one’s wants and desires in a mate. Religious vs. Science Conflict – Science attempts to tell us when & how. Religion attempts to tell us the who & why.

Biopsychosocial Approach to Individual Development We are both Creatures & Creators of our worlds – Products of both genes & environment. Genes can respond to the environment: Girls raised in fatherless households experience puberty earlier We don’t inherit a fear of snakes but a genetic predisposition to fear them. While our ability to learn a language seems natural, it requires being exposed to one. Antisocial behavior needs a specific gene and maltreatment to activate it.