1. Unit 3-C (D): Evolutionary Psychology
Mr. McCormick
A.P. Psychology

2. changed physically due to
Do-Now (Discussion)
What are some ways
that humans have
changed physically due to
Natural Selection?

3. Evolutionary Psychology
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

4. 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

5. Evolutionary Psychology
What are some human psychological traits the promote survival?

6. Evolutionary Psychology
Mutation:
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change

7. Evolutionary Psychology
Many psychological traits that humans possess today have their roots in evolution:
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

8. 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?

9. 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%

10. 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

11. The Biopsychosocial Approach: Nature And Nurture

12. 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?

13. Homework Unit 3 Test: “Biological Bases of Behavior”
Chapter 6 Outline: “Sensation and Perception”