A01 feedback Starting sentence before you go into the biology (23 pairs of chromosomes, males XY, females XX) Don’t just explain how genes affect your sex, make sure you link to gender Eg. testosterone causes masculine traits and behaviours such as facial hair, muscle growth.

A02 feedback Bring in supporting research……..  John Money  Dabbs  Young linked with Money  Turners and Kleinfelters Issues/debates/approaches “However, we should be cautious when using this study as support because there are methodological issues. For example…..” Nature/Nurture debate Point (A01) Evidence Explain how it supports Evaluate evidence Link back (why does this matter)

Last thing! Please watch your grammar and spelling!! “Dabbs done a study” “Dabbs conducted a study” If an examiner cant read it, they wont mark it. Essay should show coherent elaboration so avoid repetition.

PSYA3:Gender Evolutionary Perspectives

Learning objectives Discuss evolutionary explanations of gender (24) Evolutionary explanations of mate choice and sexual jealousy

Evolutionary Theory Gender behaviours are a product of Natural and Sexual SELECTION What is the difference between natural selection and sexual selection?

Natural selection Certain physical and psychological traits have been passed down from one generation to another due to their advantages in survival and reproduction.

Sexual selection Certain physical and psychological traits have been passed down from one generation to another due to their advantages in ensuring a mate, thus reproducing.

Evolutionary theory of gender We have inherited our gender behaviours from our ancestors which have been passed down over generations because they increase survival (NS) and reproductive success (SS)

Men are more aggressive, stronger and have better visual spatial skills than females. According to evolutionary theory, why may having these characteristics be an advantage for men’s survival/reproductive success (and not women's) in the past? Take notes on page 207 Prepare a comment or Question for the group The Hunting Hypothesis (AO1)

Gender differences in Mate Choice Gender differences in mate choice is a product of inheritance and a way men and women can maximise their reproductive success.

Complete the hand out- According to evolutionary theory, what do men and women look for in the opposite sex to ensure reproductive success. For each trait explain how it ensures reproductive success

Mate Choice Men look for younger partners who are physically attractive as an indicator of health and fertility. (smooth skin, glossy hair, red lips, hour glass figure). Women look for partners with resources; someone who will provide for them and their children.

So why have women and men evolved to have different preferences? Triver’s Parental investment theory Task - In 50 words summarise Triver’s Parental investment theory Extension: Problems with the theory??? P209

Parental Investment Theory – Trivers (1972) Parental investment for men is little (just copulation), where as for women investment is high. The female produces the eggs, carries the child, gives birth, and then had to ensure the baby’s survival. Therefore a male’s best chance of reproductive success is through mating with as many fertile females as they can find. A female’s best chance of reproductive success is to ensure the survival of her offspring and this means finding a male with good genes and resources that will help her to raise her children. Theory explains differences in sexual behaviours (males = promiscuous, females = choosy)

Recap on the evolutionary theory………… 1. What is the difference between natural and sexual selection? 2. According to evolutionary theory What should men and women look for in the opposite gender? 3. How does Triver’s Parental investment theory explain this difference in mate choice?

Support for the theory: Buss (1989) Looked at what individuals look for in a marriage partner: Women looked for mates with ‘good financial prospects. Men placed more importance on physical attractiveness. Men also wanted younger mates – increased fertility. Task: Evaluate Buss’s study pg 208

Evaluating the Evolutionary Approach Page Pick 2 evaluation points Evaluation point… This suggests… This matters because… (Link back to the question: Discuss evolutionary explanations of gender) So… is it a good explanation or not? Would further research need to be done?

Further s upport comes from from Waynforth & Dunbar Did a content analysis of personal ads Attractive partner sought by: 44% of males but only 22% females What does this suggest about findings on mate choice?

Gender differences in jealousy Males have evolved differences in sexual jealousy to avoid being cuckolded

Buss et al (1992) Please think of a serious romantic relationship you have had in the past, you currently have, or you would like to have. Imagine that you discover the person whom you are seriously involved with someone else. What would distress you more? A.Imagine your partner falling in love with another person B.Imagine your partner enjoying passionate sexual intercourse with the other person

Gender differences in jealousy How do these gender differences in jealousy help males/females reproduce more successfully? Problems with Buss et als study?

Task - Deconstruction of Buss Psychological sex difference – origins through sexual selection Prepare you for next year at uni Groups of 3 Read through article and each group member chooses a section to deconstruct. Make a hand-out on your section 1.Introduction (64) 2.Sex differences are well documented (A02 part) 3.Hypothesis about the Psychological sex differences

The hunting hypothesis (p207) 1.How does the hunting hypothesis explain why men have better visual and spatial skills than woman? 2.How does the hunting hypothesis explain why woman are better communicators than men?

Division of Labour Traditionally the man is the hunter gatherer and the woman is the domestic goddess. If a woman spent her life hunting, and therefore not pregnant, reproductive success would decrease. Kuhn & Stiner (2006) = this is why humans (homo sapians) survived and neanderthals didn’t. They survived off animals and therefore both men and women hunted.

Task: Point. Evidence. Explain. Link Create a PEEL for each evolutionary concept: -Division of Labour (hunter hypothsis) -Mate Choice -Cognitive Style For each one: 1)Make an evaluative point. 2)Find some evidence. 3)Explain what the evidence suggests. 4)Make a link back to evolutionary theories of gender. When you’ve completed the sheet, jot down synoptic A02 points.