SOP-3004 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Incest Taboo
Chapter 5 Learning Objectives
1. Discuss which perspective– evolutionary theory or a cultural perspective–
addresses similarities in human behavior or differences in human behavior.
The evolutionary theory addresses similarities in our behavior – natural selection
has resulted in the traits that promote survival and reproduction, traits that we
all must have to survive, therefore we all must share these traits (e.g., what foods
to eat, who to trust, and what to fear)
Cultural perspective explains that our similarities (shared human biology)
enables our cultural diversity. It also explains how we differ, too. Our nature
makes us similar, but our nurture makes us different (our habits and
adaptability)
2. Using the principle of natural selection, explain how psychological traits may
have evolved over generations.
Natural Selection states that the traits that didn’t promote survival disappeared
by the lack of organisms with that trait surviving, and the organisms with the
“survival traits” then passed those traits on
3. Discuss cultural norms that differ across cultures and those that are similar.
Norms – standards for accepted and expected behavior; what is normal
Norms that differ: expressiveness, punctuality, rule-breaking, personal space
(Americans typically prefer a large bubble of personal space); cultures also differ
in the strength or importance of following norms
Similar norms: friendship norms (don’t embarrass a friend, respect a friend’s
privacy, etc.), trait dimensions (big 5 personality traits), social belief dimensions
(people everywhere have their own understanding of cynicism, social complexity,
reward, spirituality, and fate control), status norms (form hierarchies; talk to
high-status people respectfully), incest taboo, war norms (wear identifiable
uniforms, treat prisoners humanely, etc.)
4. Define “gender” according to psychology and discuss whether males and females
are more similar or different from one another.
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Document Summary
Chapter 5 learning objectives: discuss which perspective evolutionary theory or a cultural perspective addresses similarities in human behavior or differences in human behavior. Cultural perspective explains that our similarities (shared human biology) enables our cultural diversity. Our nature makes us similar, but our nurture makes us different (our habits and adaptability: using the principle of natural selection, explain how psychological traits may have evolved over generations. Natural selection states that the traits that didn"t promote survival disappeared by the lack of organisms with that trait surviving, and the organisms with the. Survival traits then passed those traits on: discuss cultural norms that differ across cultures and those that are similar. Norms standards for accepted and expected behavior; what is normal. Norms that differ: expressiveness, punctuality, rule-breaking, personal space (americans typically prefer a large bubble of personal space); cultures also differ in the strength or importance of following norms.
