2. Two Different Approaches to Psychology SSSM Standard Social Science ModelEP Evolutionary Psychology

3. Major Contrast SSSM All is Learned No instincts General Processor Culture transcends biologyEP Some is innate Instincts Modularity Biology builds, influences, and constrains culture

4. The Biological Imperative The advantage of hard-wired, Inflexible behavior

5. Aggressive Displays

6. Mating Displays

7. The Learning Imperative The disadvantage of hard-wired, Inflexible behavior Pine Processionary

9. 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

10. Important Evolutionary Changes for Humans Bipedalism Frees up the hands Climbing Throwing Signaling Opposable Thumbs Dexterity Tools Big Brains Language Complex Emotions & Social Behavior Consciousness?

11. Misinterpretations Genes are not Blueprints (do not determine) Genes more like recipes (guide) & triggers EP is not Biological Determinism EP is not Genes + Environment EP IS Genes x Environment CULTURE (Environment) matters!

12. A Constrained View We were NOT designed to do all that we can do! Exaptations

13. Spandrels

15. Brain and CNS Functional Specialization Three Levels of Function Control Centers (“switches”) Examples: temperature, feeding Adaptive Value Faculties Examples: memory, speech Instincts Affect (the four Fs) Higher level functions Reasoning & Intelligence Personality

16. Topics Perception Memory Problem Solving Inference & Decision Making Creativity Attention Motivation Intelligence & Talent Happiness

17. Presentation Pinker, Blank Slate http://www.ted.com/talks/steven_pinker_chalks_it_u p_to_the_blank_slate.html http://www.ted.com/talks/steven_pinker_chalks_it_u p_to_the_blank_slate.html