Unit 3-C (D):
Evolutionary Psychology
Mr. McCormick
A.P. Psychology
Do-Now
(Discussion)
What are some ways
that humans have
changed physically due to
Natural Selection?
Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary Psychology:

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The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind
using principles of natural selection
Natural Selection:

The principle that, among the range of inherited trait
variations, those that lead to increased reproduction
and survival will most likely be passed on to
succeeding generations
Evolutionary Psychology

It’s all about survival:

Organisms’ varied offspring compete for survival

Certain biological and behavioral variations increase
organisms’ reproductive and survival chances in
their particular environment

Offspring that survive are more likely to pass their
genes to ensuing generations

Over time, population characteristics may change
Evolutionary Psychology
What are some human
psychological traits
the promote survival?
Evolutionary Psychology

Mutation:

A random error in gene replication that leads to a
change
Evolutionary Psychology

Many psychological traits that humans possess today
have their roots in evolution:





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Food preferences
Fears
Stress management
Gender differences
Sexual behaviors
Some evolutionary psychologists feel that humans
are biologically prepared for a world that no longer exists
Evolutionary Psychology:
Differences in Sexual Behavior
 In
general, which sex tends to be more
sexually aggressive and promiscuous?
 How
might an evolutionary
psychologist explain men’s higher rate
of sexual activity?
Evolutionary Psychology:
Differences in Sexual Behavior
Question (summarized)
Male
Female
Casual sex
58%
34%
Sex for affection
25%
48%
Think about sex everyday
54%
19%
Evolutionary Psychology:
Differences in Sexual Behavior
Psychological Study on Sexual Preferences:
In a range of cultures studied (indicated by red dots), more men than women preferred youthful women;
more women than men preferred mates with resources and social status
The Biopsychosocial Approach:
Nature And Nurture
Review

What is Evolutionary Psychology?

How does Natural Selection apply to human thought
and behavior?

How are the following a result of psychobiological
evolution in humans:




Preference for sweet and fatty foods
Fear of spiders and snakes, but not guns and electricity
Men’s higher rate of sexual activity
What does the Biopsychosocial Approach suggest
about the Nature-Nurture Debate?
Homework

Unit 3 Test: “Biological Bases of Behavior”

Chapter 6 Outline: “Sensation and
Perception”