PSYC 305 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6-8: Toilet Training, Inclusive Fitness, Reticular Formation
Document Summary
Evolutionary theory: our basic psychological processes are the product of natural selection and sexual selection. Basic principle: according to darwin, across successive generations of a species, organisms develop characteristics that enhance their ability to survive and reproduce (i. e. , adaptations). Two processes through which organisms develop these characteristics: natural selection. Organisms that possess characteristics that enhance their ability to survive are more likely to live to reproductive age and to pass these characteristics on to the next generation. Offspring that inherit these characteristics, in turn, are more likely to live to reproductive age and to pass the characteristics on to yet the next generation. Through this process, characteristics that enhance the organism"s ability to survive increase in frequency across successive generations of the species until they characterize virtually all members of the species. Example: the preference for sweet, fatty, and salty foods among humans: sexual selection: enhance the ability to reproduce.
