PSC 162 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Frequency-Dependent Selection, Scuba Diving, Evolutionary Psychology
Document Summary
Lecture 8 - biological approach ii, evolutionary psychology. Surprisingly weak links between individual genes & psychological traits. Thousands of common genetic variants with tiny effects. Self - regulatory personality traits are strongly influence by interactions among more than 700 genes . Genetic variant only leads to trait in some environments (nature & Psychologists are divided on the question of whether personality is innately determined by your genes or shaped by experiences in early childhood . Environment continues to matter beyond early childhood. Genes influence, but do not determine personality. Genes influence personality in part by shaping the environment you are in. We are biologically programmed to engage in behaviors that facilitate survival & reproduction. Bonding with mates, caring for offspring, competing for resources, cooperating with friends, etc. These behaviors maximize the likelihood that our genes with be passed down to the next generation.
