Chapter 12
Evolutionary
Psychology
1
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Struggle for existence

Variation of traits


Heritability of traits
Adaptation
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2
Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Natural Selection

Sexual Selection

Fitness
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© Annebicque Bernard/CORBIS SYGMA
3
Inclusive Fitness
4
Two views of the evolution of
behaviors

Sociobiology


“perpetuation of the genes”
Evolutionary Psychology
5
What is “selected”?

Brain

Solutions to frequent problems

Because brain is complex, we may be unaware of
large parts of solutions

Solutions are specialized

Some solutions evolved for hunter-gatherers
6
Theories of Human Nature


Social Science Model
Evolutionary Psychological Theory of Human
Nature
7
Some Terms

Sex Differences

Strategies
8
Long-Term Mating Strategies

Parental investment

Women’s Preferences

Men’s Preferences
9
oxytocin
Definition:
Examples:
hormone released both in nursing
and in sexual intercourse, thought
to promote bonding in both cases


oxytocin-produced “cuddling” or
contact comfort of infants
emotional security between lovers
enhanced by oxytocin
10
Long-Term Mating Strategies

Attracting Mates

Self-promotion

Competitor derogation
11
http://www.relationshiptalk.net/images/jealous.jpg
Long-Term Mating Strategies

Attracting Mates

Women

Men
12
Long-Term Mating Strategies

Keeping a Mate

Love

Jealousy
13
Short-Term Mating Strategies

Coolidge Effect
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14
Altruism

Kin selection


Cost-benefit analysis
Reciprocal altruism

(naturalistic fallacy)

Cheating
15
Dysfunctional Behavior

Context failure

Examples:

Suicide

Anxiety

Addiction
16