Psychology 2075 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Sociobiology, Operant Conditioning, Medicalization

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2075
• Professor: William Fisher

Document Summary

Sociobiology: application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behaviour of animals including humans. Evolution: a theory that all living things have acquired their present form through gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generation. Natural selection: process in nature resulting in grater rates of survival of those plants and animals that are adapted to their environment: prefer attractive mates because they probably have maximum reproductive success. Attractive more important in societies where more people are unhealthy. Parent investment: behaviour and resources invested in the survival and reproductive success of genetic offspring: men invest most money on the children of current relationship (could be genetic or stepchildren) In men physiological sexual arousal is specific but women show arousal to stimuli depicting but wanted and unwanted partners. Main function for sex is not reproduction anymore. The study of psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection. Long term: able and willing to provide for indefinite future.