CLASS 20 EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY PART 2 Evolutionary Theory

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CLASS 20

CLASS 20

EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY PART 2

EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY PART 2

Evolutionary Theory of Sex Differences: SOURCES OF EVIDENCE 1. 2. Universality Unique predictions

Evolutionary Theory of Sex Differences: SOURCES OF EVIDENCE 1. 2. Universality Unique predictions

Cross-cultural Research by David Buss sex differences in reproductive behavior are universal Implies that

Cross-cultural Research by David Buss sex differences in reproductive behavior are universal Implies that they are built into the genetic code of our species E. g. mating style differences (Clark & Hatfield study)

<catch Figure 11. 3>

<catch Figure 11. 3>

Studies testing unique predictions from evolutionary psychology Only EP makes certain predictions about sex

Studies testing unique predictions from evolutionary psychology Only EP makes certain predictions about sex differences No prediction from other psychological theories

1. Jealousy differences Class survey “I HAVE BAD NEWS” Which is worse ?

1. Jealousy differences Class survey “I HAVE BAD NEWS” Which is worse ?

2. Age differences -studies of personal ads Men – ask for younger Women –

2. Age differences -studies of personal ads Men – ask for younger Women – ask for older

3. Judging Attractiveness Men tend to agree with each other and are not influenced

3. Judging Attractiveness Men tend to agree with each other and are not influenced by other factors Women’s judgments of attractiveness are influenced by other features (eg a man’s personality, wealth)

Actual vs. Expressed Choices Fact: Women say they want nice guys Q: Do they

Actual vs. Expressed Choices Fact: Women say they want nice guys Q: Do they really?

Kenrick’s Videotape Study In the pretest, women subjects said that their main criterion for

Kenrick’s Videotape Study In the pretest, women subjects said that their main criterion for a partner was “a nice guy” Then they were asked to observe videos of men in discussion groups They rated the attractiveness of a certain guy

4 videos of same guy Dominant & nasty Dominant & nice Submissive & nasty

4 videos of same guy Dominant & nasty Dominant & nice Submissive & nasty Submissive & nice

Results Dominant men were rated as more attractive Niceness did not make a difference

Results Dominant men were rated as more attractive Niceness did not make a difference BUT -- depends on expected length of relationship (one date vs. lifetime relationship)

4. Parent-Child Similarity:

4. Parent-Child Similarity:

Do you care if your child looks like you? Why would it be important?

Do you care if your child looks like you? Why would it be important? EP predicts that males should care a lot

Platek’s Photo Study • Took photos of subjects • Morphed some of them into

Platek’s Photo Study • Took photos of subjects • Morphed some of them into baby pictures

Method STEP 1 Took photos of student subjects Morphed some of them into baby

Method STEP 1 Took photos of student subjects Morphed some of them into baby pictures

STEP 2 Brought the same subjects back to rate baby pictures One picture is

STEP 2 Brought the same subjects back to rate baby pictures One picture is a morph of the subject & baby face Subjects were asked to rate: Which baby is more attractive ? Which baby would you adopt ? Which baby would you spend money on ?

Results MALES Showed strong preference for child resembling them FEMALES Showed no preference by

Results MALES Showed strong preference for child resembling them FEMALES Showed no preference by resemblance

Other sex differences ? T. V. remote? Bath or shower? Shoes? Car racing?

Other sex differences ? T. V. remote? Bath or shower? Shoes? Car racing?

Evolutionary Explanation of sex differences 3 principles

Evolutionary Explanation of sex differences 3 principles

1. PARENTAL INVESTMENT The sex that contributes more to raising offspring – is more

1. PARENTAL INVESTMENT The sex that contributes more to raising offspring – is more discriminating in sexual mate choice.

2. Parental Certainty Females are more certain that a baby is theirs But Males

2. Parental Certainty Females are more certain that a baby is theirs But Males are not sure and so have to be more concerned They need to avoid wasting their resources on unrelated offspring e. g. Maury Povich T. V. show

Is evolutionary psychology all bad news for male-female relationships? NO !

Is evolutionary psychology all bad news for male-female relationships? NO !

3. Pair-Bonding Unique form of emotional attachment to sexual partners Adaptive for sustaining the

3. Pair-Bonding Unique form of emotional attachment to sexual partners Adaptive for sustaining the relationship Otherwise the offspring won’t survive

Common in other animals too We call it attachment or love

Common in other animals too We call it attachment or love

Summary: Applying EP principles to Explain Sexual motivation Parental investment sex vs. relationship focus

Summary: Applying EP principles to Explain Sexual motivation Parental investment sex vs. relationship focus casual sex age preferences Parental certainty Jealousy Self-similarity of baby Pair-bonding attachment & love