Psychology 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Polygynandry, Eugenics, Social Darwinism

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Laura Reid

Document Summary

A field of study that focuses on the role of evolutionary processes (esp. natural selection) in the development of adaptive psychological mechanisms and social behaviors in humans. Cooperation one individual helps another and in so doing somehow benefits. Altruism one individual helps another but in so doing accrues some cost. 2 theories of altruism: theory of reciprocal altruism long term cooperation in relatively stable social groups where reciprocity is expected. Altruism evolved to increases the survival of relatives (and one"s gene pool) Any social behavior that ensures the survival of the young is adaptive because the young survive to pass on the genes to the next generation. Social groups evolved to ensure the survival of the young. Division of labor (provider/ protector versus nurturer: larger social networks. Most common and powerful mating preferences have evolutionary significance and survival value. *males should prefer females who are youthful and healthy.