Psychology 2070A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Big Mistake, Kin Selection, Natural Selection

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2070A/B
• Professor: Sarah Stanton

Document Summary

Prosocial behaviour: refers to any behaviour performed with the goal of benefiting another person. Sacrificing your own interest solely for other"s sake. We see altruism in other animals and babies. Natural selection favours behaviours that promote survival, and any gene that increases the probability that we"ll produce offspring is likely to be passed on. Behaviors that help others should be behaviours that died out, because they put ourselves at risk. It"s an evolutionary advantage to engage in prosocial behaviours towards others because those who cooperate are more likely to survive. Natural selection favours altruistic acts directed toward genetic relatives. Our genes get passed on not only by having our own children, but also when a relative has children. Genes of people who follow the biological importance rule are more likely to survive than genes of those who don"t. People are more likely to help their family members in life threatening situations compared to non-threatening situations.