PSYC 311 1st EditionLecture 24Current LectureApril 28Personality - Personality – consistent long term behavioral differences among individual animals o Anthropomorphizing – “fun and convenient” - Behavioral checklist o Critical incidents of personality related behavior are provided Observer checks all that apply (coping styles, temperaments) - Boldness vs. shyness in sunfish, gosling and spotted hyenas (60 traits found)o Assertiveness, excitability, human directed aggression, sociability, curiosity - Blue ringed octopus – alertness, threat, food- Coping styles – how does an animal/species handle stress o Proactive – active; territoriality, aggression; prone to remove noxious stimuli Attack/fight o Reactive – conservation/withdrawal; immobility, low levels of aggression - Helper dog personalities o Early experiences are important o Genetic aspect of emotional reactivity of various strains important 38 fear vs. fearless behaviors - General fearfulness, fearfulness of objects, inhibited response to fear Evolution of Human Behavior - Introduction o Sociobiology – concerned with evolutionary aspects of human behavior EO Wilson (Darwin) – human social behaviors are genetically determined (evolution)o Assumptions Genetically controlled behavior must be just, moral, socially desirable (MRSA) Critics attack idea that human behavior is genetically determined opting instead for environmental factors - Cultures o As brain size of humans increase Ability to function as groups increase Ability to cooperate increases Ability to use language increases Social norms regarding rules of conduct developed Procedures for obtaining, storing, defending food developed Ability to protect home turf increased o Increased brain size (frontal cortical) Planning, evaluation of plans, strategies, and capacity for sharing through speech Attributed to need to adapt to constantly changing climate – as climate changes,so does need for walking, standing erect, cooperative hunting, communication - Capacity for learning o Diversity of cultures across world Allows for adaptation to local ecology Allows for maintenance of social cohesiveness Provides flexibility across ecosystems o Subcultures may emerge that serve to shelter members from conflicting information o Cultural innovations Use of fossil fuels Domestication of animals Development of agriculture o Maladaptive culture traits adaptive American Indians soak corn in lime increases intestinal absorption of nutrients Sacred cows in india Biblical mandates – often origin of eating restrictions protected the populous - Pork – trichinosis parasitic norms o Kosher and Halal restrictions - Taboo against shell fish because filter feeders (Koran)- Evolutionary aspects of sexual preferences o Cultural beliefs regarding female beauty Evolutionary psychology – more body fat means more resources to survive- During pregnancy and nursing - Inter-relations o Warfare – all humans seem capable of engaging in group aggression under certain circumstances Typically economic competition with other groups for food, water, shelter (cultural differences exist) Religious differences (Crusades) Anthropological evidence – among early humanoids; tools, weapons, injury - Warfare among early species of man led to extinction of some species ofhumans - Social animal species and warfareo Lions, wolves, chimps, hyenas, wild dogs Seems reduced when there is ample food, or harsh environment decimates human population to density below carrying capacity - Reduced when there are relatives in the rival group (dispersal)- Intermarriage encouraged between neighboring villages – decreases incestuous inbreeding and building bonds between groups (familiar groups might
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