Question 1

The basis for a link between trait theory and biology comes from

Accepted Answer

Trait theory emphasizes individual differences in behavior and personality, and how these differences can be measured and described. Biological factors such as genetics and physiology influence these differences, while evolutionary theory explains how some personality traits may have developed and become adaptive over time. Thus, all of the options - physiological studies, genetic research, and evolutionary theory - contribute to the link between trait theory and biology.

Question 2

Proximate causes refer to explanations associated with

Accepted Answer

The answer of Proximate causes refer to explanations associated with
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Question 3

Research in evolutionary psychology by Cosmides on the question of cheating detection is concerned with the evolutionarily significant problem of

Accepted Answer

Research by Cosmides on cheating detection is focused on social exchange, specifically on the evolutionarily significant problem of detecting cheaters in social interactions. This is because in order for social exchanges to be mutually beneficial, individuals must be able to accurately detect and avoid interactions with individuals who may cheat or exploit them.

Question 4

According to evolutionary psychology, women show greater parental investment in children than men because

Accepted Answer

Women can only have a limited number of children due to biological limitations related to pregnancy and childbirth, while men have the potential to father a much larger number of offspring. Therefore, women invest more in each individual child to ensure their survival and success. The concept of a "maternal instinct" is debated within the field of evolutionary psychology and is not a universally accepted explanation for women's greater parental investment.

Question 5

Research by Sugiyama, Tooby, and Cosmides finds that the result of research on cheating detection can be replicated

Accepted Answer

The research conducted by Sugiyama, Tooby, and Cosmides on cheating detection was found to be replicable in nonliterate cultures.

Question 6

The concept of evolved psychological mechanisms suggests that

Accepted Answer

Evolved psychological mechanisms refer to traits that have been passed down through generations because they have been advantageous to survival and reproduction. These mechanisms have evolved over time to fit the challenges of the environment, not modern society specifically. Therefore, choice (a) is the best answer.

Question 7

According to Buss, evolved psychological mechanisms

Accepted Answer

According to Buss, evolved psychological mechanisms may not fit current living conditions. While they may have been adaptive in the past, changes in environment and culture may render them less effective or even maladaptive in modern times. The other options are incorrect because not all evolved psychological mechanisms are adaptive and they can differ between genders.

Question 8

The best interpretation of Kagan's data is that

Accepted Answer

Kagan's data suggests that temperament can set constraints on personality development. While environment can also have an influence, it cannot completely alter one's temperament. Kagan's research showed that children who were naturally more shy or inhibited tended to remain so throughout their development, although they were still able to adapt to their environment to some extent. Therefore, the most accurate interpretation is that temperament sets constraints on personality development.

Question 9

Evolved adaptive mechanisms are viewed as

Accepted Answer

Evolved adaptive mechanisms are specific to the task or context they were evolved for. They may also differ between genders and species. Therefore, the best choice is C.

Question 10

In the Buss research on jealousy, physiological data

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the Buss research on jealousy, physiological...

Question 11

According to Buss's hypotheses,

Accepted Answer

Buss's hypotheses suggest that men have a preference for young and attractive women, while women have a preference for strong and ambitious men. He also argues that men will be more concerned about sexual infidelity in their partners than women. Therefore, all of the above choices - A, B, and C - are accurate according to Buss's hypotheses.

Question 12

Work by Eagly and Wood on men's and women's mate preferences in different nations finds that

Accepted Answer

Eagly and Wood found that sex differences in mate preferences were smaller in countries where men and women had more similar social roles. This suggests that cultural factors play a role in shaping mate preferences, rather than just evolutionary forces.

Question 13

Ultimate causes refer to explanations associated with

Accepted Answer

Ultimate causes are explanations that relate to evolution.

Question 14

The text suggests that

Accepted Answer

All three options are valid interpretations of the text. The text emphasizes that while genetic inheritance plays a role in various aspects of personality and behavior, environmental factors and early experiences can also have significant impacts. Therefore, evidence of inheritance should not be seen as negating the importance of these other factors. Additionally, the text highlights the idea that temperament is not fixed and can change over time, despite genetic influences.

Question 15

The finding that male-female trait differences are greater in developed, egalitarian cultures than in less developed, less egalitarian cultures would be supportive of a(n) ________________ interpretation

Accepted Answer

This finding is supportive of an evolutionary interpretation, as it suggests that male and female traits may have developed differently due to natural selection in response to different environmental pressures in different cultures. This is in contrast to a social role interpretation, which would suggest that differences in male and female traits are primarily related to cultural expectations and socialization practices within a given society. The other two options, psychoanalytic and cognitive interpretations, are not directly related to gender trait differences.

Question 16

According to Kagan,

Accepted Answer

Kagan's research suggests that temperament is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, but it is not entirely predetermined by heredity nor can it be completely altered by environmental factors. Therefore, neither option A nor B is the best choice.

Question 17

Which of the following would be suggested by trait theorists as important for group survival?

Accepted Answer

According to trait theorists, agreeableness, openness, and extraversion are all important traits for group survival. Agreeableness helps individuals get along with others and avoid conflict, openness allows for a diversity of ideas and perspectives, and extraversion promotes social interaction and group bonding. Therefore, all of the above traits would be suggested by trait theorists as important for group survival.

Question 18

Criticism of evolutionary psychology include

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology has been criticized for underestimating the role of social influences and cultural factors in shaping human behavior. It has also been argued that some of the assumptions and predictions made by evolutionary psychology are not consistent with basic research in neuroscience. Additionally, some critics argue that evolutionary psychology fails to account for individual differences in the interpretation of ambiguous social situations, as people's behavior and decision-making are influenced by a variety of factors beyond evolutionary adaptations.

Question 19

Parenthood probability theory leads

Accepted Answer

Parenthood probability theory suggests that males may be more concerned about rivals due to uncertainty over paternity, leading them to invest in strategies to ensure their paternity, such as being more vigilant or competitive with potential rivals.

Question 20

Evolutionary factors have been suggested as important in

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary factors have been suggested as important in both sex differences in mate preferences and sex differences in causes of jealousy. For example, evolutionary psychologists propose that women are more attracted to men who can provide resources and protection, while men are more attracted to women who demonstrate reproductive potential. Additionally, jealousy may be an adaptive response to the threat of mate loss or infidelity, as men and women face different reproductive consequences of such events. Therefore, both sex differences in mate preferences and causes of jealousy may be influenced by evolutionary factors.

Quiz 9: Biological Foundations of Personality