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evolution as an explanation for aggression - Coggle Diagram
evolution as an explanation for aggression
Strength
based on Darwins scientifc theory of evolution. it is supported by cross culture studies finding similar mate preferences across the world-----> strong scientific foundation.
explains why behaviours are felt across different cultures dispite different influences, they are innate and have evolved
weakness
can't be scientifically tested- POST-HOC, and limited fossil records for behaviour
quite deterministic- suggests behaviour is controlled by genetics, and ignores free will. Aggression isn't the only option, we have a choice of how to deal in situations.
presumes all men & women want the same thing, and all men are naturally primiscious and all women are passive and choosy. doesn't take into account sexual preferences and oritentation.
ignores cognition, emotion and culture, and therefore over simplifies human behaviour
AO2
behaviours have evolved because of survival success
sexual jealousy= major cause of aggression. competing over mates has created physical aggression
physical aggression benefical for cave men: hunters needing to kill animals to survive and feed the family, competing for mates and spread their genes (men), verbal aggression used more often- wanted to be seen as the most attractive (women)
mate retention- aggressive towards others to keep partner
females have an evolutionary disadvantage, not as strong as men.
women tend to look for men with better jobs or who are stronger (better stabllity), men look for attractiveness and better genes (to pass down to their offspring).
acceptable has changed from the old society, some behaviours now deemed unacceptable. physical aggression banned, so we have turned to verbal and social aggression as its not so punishable.
AO1
Nativitst psychologists believe aggression is innate and comes from within us. we have aggressive urges but these can be trained as societal norms have changed.
aggression comes from within the brain.
the frontal lobe in our brains are important for self restraint and containing our aggression, this adaptation has developed as society now deems more sorts of physical aggression as unacceptable
behaviour is genetically determined through brain structure and chemistry.
in the EEA, humans who survived were those best suited to the environment- fossil records used to understand EEA and the adaptive behaviours. compare fossil behaviours to modern day behaviours and see which are adaptive.
our environment has undergone rapid changes leaving us to catch up, but we weren't designed to evolve that quickly, so our hardwired behaviour whixh would have served us well 10000 years ago may still be lingering in our natural instincts
organisms which adapt to the environment tend to live longer.
key terms
evolution- the process by which species adapt to the changing environment.
natural selection- the organisms who have successfully adapted to the environment are likely to survive and reproduce, and the species that don't will die out.
Survival of the fittest- those animals with the adaptations that mean they're better suited to their environment will reproduce and pass down their traits of survival.
Adaptation- a trait of an organism that is suited to the environment.
mutation- a random change inside an individuals genetics.
genetic variation- differences in DNA within a population.
innate behaviour- behaviour that is within us, its been there since birth.
learned behaviour- behaviour that is a consequence of the environment.
sexual selection- traits that evolve due to reproduction success.