PSYC 332 Chapter 1: Chapter 1_ In the beginning

• School: McGill University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 332
• Professor: Richard Koestner

Document Summary

Human nature: what makes humans the same. Product of our species" evolution, developed over millions of years. Personality: what makes humans different (variation on the general design of human nature) Develops across individual lifetime (birth to old age) Living in social groups: dating back to biblical times, humans seek companionship and security in others to avoid feeling lonely. 2 things that make humans different from all other species: We are way smarter than any other animals that is not to say we are better at everything. Ex: dog"s sense of smell is much better than ours. Human-specific cognitive powers: language, reason, creativity, innovation, imagination, tool use, advances of science and technology. Our social nature (i. e. living in social groups): We cooperate with others in all of life"s challenges: obtaining food, defence, securing mates, caring for young; we also compete: to garner resources, form social hierarchies, etc.