Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences

Question 1

A01 Evolutionary explanations ? def.

Answer 1

focus on the adaptive nature of behaviour

Question 2

A01 Sexual selection ? def.

Answer 2

Darwin’s theory- how evolution is driven by competition for mates, and the development of characteristics that ensure reproductive success.

Question 3

A01 what is Intrasexual selection ?

Answer 3

individuals compete with other members of their sex

Question 4

A01 What does Intrasexual selection lead to?

Answer 4

characteristics that lead to success of mating becomes more widespread in the gene pool.

Question 5

A01 What is intersexual selection?

Answer 5

individuals evolve preferences for desirable qualities in potential mates.

Question 6

A01 What does intersexual selection result in ?

Answer 6

individuals that have the successful characteiriscs will gain an advantage in the mating world.

Question 7

A01 long-term mate preferences within women?

Answer 7

Females are most attracted to men who can provide resources.

Question 8

A01 long-term mate preferences within men?

Answer 8

Males most attracted to females who display signals of fertility

Question 9

A01 What is the burden having a mate with bad genetics?

Answer 9

will be more likely to produce unattractive , unhealthy offspring.

Question 10

A01 long-term mate preferences within women - list of resources?
BUSS 2003

Answer 10

1. economically sustainable for family
2. physical protection
3. good potential for being a parent
4. sufficiently compatible - minimal costs to her

Question 11

A01 KEY STUDY: what did BUSS 1989 investigate?

Answer 11

explored what males + females looked for in a long term partner

Question 12

A01 KEY STUDY: BUSS 1989 procedure?

Answer 12

• 10,000 ppts
• 37 cultures
• ppts asked to rate 18 characteristics on how important they are when choosing a mate.
• 4 point scale used, ranging from 3 to 0

Question 13

A01 KEY STUDY: BUSS 1989 findings? Resources women

Answer 13

Women more than men desired mates who were ‘good financial prospects’

Question 14

A01 KEY STUDY: BUSS 1989 findings? physical attractiveness + Youth - MEN

Answer 14

Men placed more importance on physical and universally wanted mates younger than them.

Question 15

A01 KEY STUDY: BUSS 1989 findings? intelligence

Answer 15

both wanted mates who were intelligent and kind - linking to long term relationships + parenthood

Question 16

X A03 - BERNSTIEN 2015 - Cultural traditions importance in choosing a mate

Answer 16

• Kasser + Sharma 1999, analysis of 37 cultures showed that women valued potential mates access to resources far more in those cultures where women’s status and educational opportunities are limited.

Question 17

X A03- BULLER 2005- female preferences for high-status men may not be universal

Answer 17

• he argues many experiments have been done of female undergrad students.
• these women will expect a high salary in a man and similar intelligence and interests.

Question 18

X / :) A03- mate choice in life BUSS

Answer 18

• might suffer validity issues however a study of actual marriages in 29 cultures confirmed men do choose younger women.
• more valid measure than real-life marriage stats, some cultures have arranged marriages.

Question 19

X A03 - PENTON - VOAK 1999- mate choice menstrual cycle

Answer 19

• long term mate choice - feminised face = kindness + parental care
• short term mate choice - masculine face - genetic benefits

Question 20

A03 - NETTLE + CLEGG- human equivalent of a peacock tail

Answer 20

• supports the view that some human traits that serve no survival purpose have evolved purely as a result of sexual selection.
• males with a creative profession had more sexual partners - ingenuity and creativity passed on.