Relationships - Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences

Question 1

Human reproductive behaviour

Answer 1

Behaviours & strategies used in order to maximise success in reproduction

Question 2

Anisogamy

Answer 2

Difference between male (quantity) & female (quality) gametes that influence the strategies

Question 3

Intra-sexual selection

Answer 3

Competition WITHIN same sex for access to mates (males -> aggression, strength & social dominance / prevent rival interference & maintain relationship)

Question 4

Inter-sexual selection

Answer 4

Preference for traits BETWEEN opposite sexes (female -> choosy, high parental investment)

Question 5

Parental Investment theory (Trivers)

Answer 5

Both sexes are choosy as substandard mates have consequences (greater for women) -> determining traits that will be passed on

Question 6

Sexy Sons hypothesis (Fisher)

Answer 6

Genes seen today previously enhanced success -> females choose mate with traits that will enhance success in their offspring & continue to pass on genes

Question 7

Feedback loops

Answer 7

Ongoing cycle of preference & trait reinforcement (become more pronounced & exaggerated)

Question 8

Runaway selection

Answer 8

Over-exaggerations of the trait over generations & loses control within population regardless of costs

Question 9

Supporting studies of evolutionary explanations

Answer 9

+ Buss - Lonely Hearts 10,000 in 33 countries (women valued resource-based characteristics, men valued good looks & youth) [intersexual selection]
+ Clark & Hatfield - Florida Uni students asked either date, home, sex (men - 50%, 69%, 75% / women - 50%, 6%, 0%) [parental investment]

Question 10

Criticising studies of evolutionary explanations

Answer 10

• Chang et al - mate preferences have changed over time due to cultural shifts [temporal validity]
• Kenrick et al - teenage males are often attracted to older women as they value status, intelligence & financial stability [reduced validity]

Question 11

Strengths of evolutionary explanations

Answer 11

+ Scientific explanation (biological reductionism -> clear scientific testability)
+ Nomothetic (universal human mate selection & general predictions)

Question 12

Limitations of evolutionary explanations

Answer 12

• Reductionism (reproductive success only ignores love, companionship)
• Undermines nurture (cultural shifts & changing gender roles -> ignored)