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EvolutionGoal - to gain understanding of adaptive processes underlying cultural phenomenon.
Adaptive problems are ones which the solutions impact reproduction. Thus psychological mechanisms are functional in that they are developed in adaptation to problems. By investigation of contemporary manifestations of differences between the sexes, evolutionary theories can be tested.
Evolution - Uncle Charlie
A. Lucy - only four races
B. Adaptation to the environment
C. Survival of the fittest
Dick Coss - jungle gym study
Book carrying, Night time behavior
Problems with this idea
1. assumes universals
2. are these adaptations relevant to today?
3. androcentric in nature????
4. higher animals have more complex nervous systems thereby arguing faster adaptations. We cannot use lower forms as analogies.
BUSS vs. Fausto Sterling - yes and no
Genetics -
A. Nature Nurture Debate
1. Twin studies
2. Adoptions
B. Know your neurology
1. big b little b
2. Recessive Genes - male pattern baldness
3. Tourette's syndrome etc
C. Abnormalities
1. Straight white men as the baseline
a. Breast Cancer example
Trait Theory
Key assumptions:
1. people fall into categories defined by stable characteristics
2. These characteristics can be either biological in nature OR learned
3. Trait theorists usually define these characteristics by self reports (questionaires)
4. Personality determines behavior
Evolutionary Theory explains behavior by the explanations of functionality. That is, the consequences of something. Trait theorists followed this thinking and originally attempted to define characteristics as across the board. Individual differences then became the thorn in their side. Sometimes they will take an "existing" trait viewed as accepted (freud - repression)
Discuss
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