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Evolutionary Psychology. Todd Farchione, Ph.D . Evolutionary Psychology. Focuses on evolved psychological mechanisms Solve two adaptive tasks most fundamental to our species: individual survival and sexual reproduction . Human mind is an adapted mind .
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Evolutionary Psychology Todd Farchione, Ph.D.
Evolutionary Psychology • Focuses on evolved psychological mechanisms • Solve two adaptive tasks most fundamental to our species: individual survival and sexual reproduction. • Human mind is an adapted mind. • Mental mechanisms evolved gradually in the course of human history • Starting with the idea of evolution, it develops specific hypotheses and then tests them for empirical support.
Evolved Psychological Mechanism • Evolved fears, preferences, or behavioral tendencies resulting from evolutionary pressures • less predictable and more open to diversity than instinctive behavior • Examples of evolved psychological mechanisms • Mate preference and mating patterns • Adaptations in parenting • Disposition to group living • Acquisition of language • Shared emotional expressions • Inclination towards aggression
Research methods • Naturalistic observation • Kibbutz in Israel • Experimental Method • Lizards • Buss’ studies on jealousy