PSYCH 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Twin, Wilhelm Wundt, Evolutionary Psychology
Document Summary
Darwin"s theory of natural selection demonstrated that inheritable characteristics that increase likelihood of survival will be maintained. Proposed that humans and apes arose from the same ancestor. Evolutionary psychology focuses on role of evolution in development of human behaviour: psychologists stress organism"s biology determine its behavioural capabilities and behaviour. Study of how behavioural tendencies are influenced by genetic factors. Animals can be bred not only for physical, but also behavioural traits (aggression, intelligence, etc. ) Identical twins, with identical genetic makeup, are very similar in behaviour compared to fraternal twins: found even when identical twins reared in different homes. Views humans as information processors and problem solvers whose actions are governed by thought and planning. What sets humans apart is that we have mental capabilities. Several schools and individuals contributed to modern cognitive perspective: Studies how mental processes influence our motives, emotions, and behaviour. Very famous after ww2 (research on obedience and conformity)
