{"id":19600,"date":"2023-01-30T05:31:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-30T05:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/?p=19600"},"modified":"2024-05-28T21:34:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T21:34:04","slug":"evolutionary-psychology-examples","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/evolutionary-psychology-examples\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Evolutionary Psychology Examples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Video Lesson<\/summary>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Evolutionary Psychology (Explained in 3 Minutes)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8nGp82kjkFw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Study Card<\/summary>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/evolutionary-psychology-examples-and-definition-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"evolutionary psychology examples and definition\" class=\"wp-image-19601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/evolutionary-psychology-examples-and-definition-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/evolutionary-psychology-examples-and-definition-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/evolutionary-psychology-examples-and-definition-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/evolutionary-psychology-examples-and-definition.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Definition and Overview<\/summary>\n<p><strong>Evolutionary psychology aims to understand how thoughts, actions, and behavior are shaped by evolutionary forces (Mealey, 2023; Workman, 2004).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evolutionary psychology proposes that the human brain and mind have developed in ways that were evolutionarily advantageous to our ancestors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, according to this approach, we need to understand the evolutionary origins of mental processes to fully understand human behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mental processes and mechanisms that have evolved to solve problems of survival and reproduction are called <strong>psychological adaptations. <\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example of evolutionary psychology is the investigation of the underlying psychological reasons we might prefer to mate with partners with certain physical or behavioral traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evolutionary psychology is set apart from other psychological disciplines because it typically explains human behavior through the lens of survival and reproduction.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10 Evolutionary Psychology Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:none\">1. Explaining Perception in Infants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-187.png\" alt=\"baby playing with a ball\" class=\"wp-image-38050\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-187.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-187-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-187-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-187-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-187-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some essential <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/human-behavior-examples\/\">aspects of human behavior<\/a> seem to be innate even early on. Cognitive functions, like perceiving a steep drop off or an object coming towards you, are present in infants. For example, infants are weary of steep drop-offs (i.e. cliffs), even if they haven&#8217;t experienced a fall (Mealey, 2023). \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Explaining Mate Selection through Evolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-199.png\" alt=\"boyfriend and girlfriend\" class=\"wp-image-38084\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-199.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-199-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-199-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-199-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-199-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of evolutionary psychology is concerned with relationships since they are important to understanding reproduction. Some evolutionary psychology tries to explain why people prefer specific characteristics in other people \u2013 like facial symmetry.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Explaining Human Emotion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-165.png\" alt=\"crying baby\" class=\"wp-image-37872\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-165.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-165-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-165-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-165-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-165-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many emotions appear early in life and do not have to be learned. Evolutionary psychology suggests that emotions have evolved in response to selective pressures. For example, fear may have evolved to avoid potential threats to survival.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Origins of Mental Health Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-231.png\" alt=\"anxious stressed or worried\" class=\"wp-image-38172\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-231.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-231-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-231-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-231-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-231-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Behavioral traits like anxiety could have been adaptive in certain situations. For example, being worried and vigilant could have been very adaptive to survival and reproductive success if you lived in a time that involved many predators and dangers. However, too much anxiety could be maladaptive and harmful.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Understanding Parental Attachment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-136.png\" alt=\"mother and daughter\" class=\"wp-image-37832\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-136.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-136-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-136-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-136-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-136-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Attachment theory is well-established in developmental psychology. Human infants are very dependent on their parents, much more so than many other species. Evolutionary psychology, therefore, proposes that attachment between a parent and child has arisen due to its importance for survival and reproduction. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Evolutionary Basis for Human Personality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-205.png\" alt=\"angry guy driving car\" class=\"wp-image-38097\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-205.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-205-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-205-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-205-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-205-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Evolutionary psychology proposes that some personality traits, like aggression, have persisted because they were once valuable in competition for resources and mates. \u00a0As a result, even traits we now consider to be negative continue to part of human behavior, and even be admired as an attractive trait for mates.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Explanation for Cooperation in Humans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-193.png\" alt=\"children in conversation\" class=\"wp-image-38064\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-193.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-193-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-193-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-193-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-193-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people are more aggressive, while others are more agreeable and cooperative. Evolutionary psychology suggests that humans have evolved to be cooperative with others to increase their chances of survival. For example, cooperative behavior could have increased access to resources, reduced potentially harmful fighting, and increased help with childcare.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Evolutionary Basis of Social Bonds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-201.png\" alt=\"a busy cafe\" class=\"wp-image-38089\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-201.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-201-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-201-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-201-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-201-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Humans are very social creatures. Evolutionary psychology proposes that humans have evolved to form strong social bonds because these bonds were important for gathering resources, taking care of each other, and surviving.\u00a0By being social creatures, we have managed to thrive &#8211; together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/hirschis-social-bond-theory\/\">For more, read our piece on social bond theory.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Evolutionary Basis of Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"call out\" class=\"wp-image-37899\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out-70x70.jpg 70w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/call-out.jpg 1050w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Human children start learning language and communication very early on. Evolutionary psychology proposes that language development occurs because the ability to communicate would have been useful for many activities that would have increased survival. For example, these activities could have involved warning others about danger, coordinating group activities, and passing along other useful information.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group softborder is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Explaining Behavioral Preferences through Evolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-229.png\" alt=\"man eating chips on couch\" class=\"wp-image-38170\" style=\"width:365px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-229.png 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-229-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-229-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-229-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/image-229-70x70.png 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Humans have many behavioral preferences. For example, many people enjoy what are now deemed &#8220;unhealthy&#8221; calorie-dense sweet and fatty foods. Evolutionary psychology would suggest that <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/preferences-examples\/\">we have evolved preferences<\/a> for these foods because these high-calorie foods were once particularly valuable sources of energy in our ancestral environment where food was often scarce.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Top Theories in Evolutionary Psychology<\/summary>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:none\">Top Theories in Evolutionary Psychology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two popular theories in evolutionary psychology include the sexual strategies theory and error management theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Sexual Strategies Theory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sexual strategies theory proposes that humans have evolved different long and short-term mating strategies that may depend on many factors like <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/examples-of-contexts\/\">culture and social context.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This theory focuses on similarities and differences in men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s mating preferences and strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The theory proposes that women have inherited the trait of desiring mates who possess resources. In contrast, men have inherited the trait of desiring health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many factors, beyond resources or health, like culture, context, and personality, will influence who people choose to be their partners (Buss, 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Error Management Theory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Error management theory (EMT) explains how we think, make decisions, and evaluate uncertain or novel situations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We must make decisions constantly; some errors are more costly than others. EMT explains that we have evolved to make decisions that will result in less costly errors (Buss, 2023).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Criticisms of Evolutionary Biology<\/summary>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Criticisms of Evolutionary Biology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Human behavior is very complex and influenced by many biological, environmental, <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/cultural-factors-examples\/\">and cultural factors<\/a>. Therefore, evolutionary psychology has faced some criticism and, like any psychological field, has important limitations to consider.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, many human behaviors persist that are not beneficial to survival and reproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, we lack knowledge on the details of all the selection pressures humans could have faced over millions of years of evolution (Confer et al., 2010). This lack of knowledge and heavy reliance on theorizing leads to a lack of testability \u2013 we weren&#8217;t there to observe selective pressures millions of years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, we can&#8217;t directly test how those pressures may have shaped behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evolutionary psychology has also faced criticism for overemphasizing the role of biology in behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, we know that genetic and environmental influences are important to understand why humans differ from each other (Polderman et al., 2015).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/nature-vs-nurture-examples\/\">nature vs. nurture question<\/a> that is so popular is somewhat misleading, as at this point, we know that nature and nurture are both essential and often interact with each other.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Evolutionary psychologists operate under the assumption that human brain structures, functions, and mental capabilities evolved under natural selection in the same way that human bodies did (Mealey, 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This would mean that the mental processes that underlie thought and behavior in humans exist now because they once helped human ancestors survive and reproduce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evolutionary psychological theories are applied to all human behavior, including emotions, personality, perception, and learning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Types of Psychology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/biological-psychology-examples\/\">Biological Psychology<\/a> &#8211; <\/strong>Biological psychology involves studying biological influences on behavior, thoughts, and emotions (Kalat, 2015).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/clinical-psychology-examples\/\">Clinical Psychology<\/a> &#8211; <\/strong>Clinical Psychology is a specialty in psychology that involves the practical application of psychological theories for treating psychological problems and disorders (Pomerantz, 2016).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/comparative-psychology\/\">Comparative Psychology<\/a> &#8211;<\/strong> Comparative psychology studies the similarities and differences in behavior across different species to understand evolutionary relationships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/cognitive-psychology-examples\/\">Cognitive Psychology<\/a> &#8211;<\/strong> Cognitive psychology focuses on understanding mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/social-psychology-examples\/\">Social Psychology<\/a> &#8211;<\/strong> Social psychology examines how individuals&#8217; thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence and actions of others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/experimental-psychology\/\">Experimental Psychology<\/a> &#8211;<\/strong> Experimental psychology involves using scientific methods to study and understand behavior and mental processes through controlled experiments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f References and Further Reading<\/summary>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buss, D. M. (2023). Evolutionary theories in psychology. In R. Biswas-Diener &amp; E. Diener (Eds),&nbsp;<em>Noba textbook series: Psychology.<\/em>&nbsp;Champaign, IL: DEF publishers. Retrieved from&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/noba.to\/ymcbwrx4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">http:\/\/noba.to\/ymcbwrx4<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confer, J. C., Easton, J. A., Fleischman, D. S., Goetz, C. D., Lewis, D. M. G., Perilloux, C., &amp; Buss, D. M. (2010). Evolutionary psychology: Controversies, questions, prospects, and limitations. <em>American Psychologist<\/em>, <em>65<\/em>(2), 110\u2013126. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0018413<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mealey, L. (2023). Evolutionary psychology. In <em>Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Polderman, T. J. C., Benyamin, B., de Leeuw, C. A., Sullivan, P. F., van Bochoven, A., Visscher, P. M., &amp; Posthuma, D. (2015). Meta-analysis of the heritability of human traits based on fifty years of twin studies. <em>Nature Genetics<\/em>, <em>47<\/em>(7), 702\u2013709. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/ng.3285<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Workman, L. (2004). <em>Evolutionary psychology: An introduction<\/em>. Cambridge, UK\u202f; New York\u202f: Cambridge University Press. http:\/\/archive.org\/details\/evolutionarypsyc0000work<\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>10 Evolutionary Psychology Examples 1. Explaining Perception in Infants Some essential aspects of human behavior seem to be innate even early on. Cognitive functions, like perceiving a steep drop off or an object coming towards you, are present in infants. For example, infants are weary of steep drop-offs (i.e. cliffs), even if they haven&#8217;t experienced [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[118,94],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19600","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-psych-101-course","category-psychology"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"Chris Drew (PhD)","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"authorship-box-avatar":false,"authorship-box-related":false,"authorship-post-flat":false,"authorship-post-cards":false,"authorship-post-thumbs":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Chris Drew (PhD)","author_link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/author\/chris-drew-phd\/"},"uagb_comment_info":2,"uagb_excerpt":"10 Evolutionary Psychology Examples 1. Explaining Perception in Infants Some essential aspects of human behavior seem to be innate even early on. Cognitive functions, like perceiving a steep drop off or an object coming towards you, are present in infants. For example, infants are weary of steep drop-offs (i.e. cliffs), even if they haven&#8217;t experienced&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19600","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19600"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19600\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38195,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19600\/revisions\/38195"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19600"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19600"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19600"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}