In order to discuss this topic, it briefly explains how new technologies have improved our understanding on evolutionary theories and how language is defined. The second part deals with main question. It will assess three key models of evolution in order to access whether evolution theories can explain human language or whether some evolution theories have to be excluded. Firstly, it evaluates language as a product of adaptation; secondly, as a by-product; and lastly, as a product of random effects. Evidence will be presented to illustrate the strength of each theory.
TMA02 Part 1 “What do psychologists mean by ‘theory of mind’? Discuss the claim that theory of mind is an evolved adaptation” Evolutionary psychologists seek the meaning of humanness and what makes us so different from other species. Investigations of evolutionary processes and adaptation that effect each other, lead researchers to the 'theory of mind' which is the ability to comprehend and predict the action and feelings of others. Evidence discussed in this essay will show that investigations and data raised the claim that the theory of mind is an evolved adaptation. However the unreliability of the results makes the claim an ongoing discussion and an open debate.
Therefore, the role differences we observe are more of a product of our biological inheritance than acquired through socialisation. As the evolutionary approach is a biological one, it suggests that aspects of human behaviour have been coded by our genes because they were or are adaptive. However, a debate of this approach is the nature vs. nurture approach, nature supporting the evolutionary approach being that we have evolved through survival value and its ability to increase an individual’s opportunities to pass on their genes, an example showing this was Bowlby’s theory of attachment – concerning the role of evolution is the explanation of stress as an adaptive response to environmental pressures. Animals born without such responses die quickly. Nurture, on the other hand, is a view proposed by the social approach suggesting behaviour is affected by experience and environment.
However researchers were also interested in whether close relatives, such as apes, also have a theory of mind. The idea that chimpanzees hold a theory of mind branches from evolutionary ideas and whether chimpanzees also hold this specialized cognitive ability. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument with relevant research and looking at two main theorists – Povinelli and Tomasello. Numerous tasks have been used to examine this area, such as gaze following and false belief tasks. Alternatively the idea of altruistic helping has also been used.
Foundations of Human Development in the Social Environment BSHS/325 October 27.2014 University of Phoenix There are several aspects of human behavior. Bio-social-psycho dimensions are usually made up by psychological, biological and social aspects. Heredity and Genetics determine the biological dimensions of a person's behavior. How wise or intelligent a person will be usually determined by those person genetics. However, a person's genetic background is determined by that person DNA for the most part.
In analyzing as well as comparing the humanistic and biological approaches to personality one can result to difference in opinions. Abraham Maslow did study the development of personalities based on the human needs. His needs hierarchy portrays the influence of human needs to formations of peoples’ unique and individual personalities. There are some biological factors which does influence formation of one’s personality which usually plays a major role. Through reviewing the relationships that are there between Maslow’s theory and biological factors we will be in a position to see some focused similarities as well as its upcoming.
Eysenck (1967, as cited in Maltby, Day, & Macaskill, 2010) saw a need to assimilate the theoretical work of personality theorists with the practical work of experimental psychologists by identifying the main dimensions of personality, then going on to measure and test these dimensions via quantitative processes. He looked at genetic inheritance as well as the accepted legacy ideas of behaviourists regarding how environmental factors developed personality, theorising the differences in behaviour being due to biology and plasticity [ (DeYoung, 2006) ]. Eysenck collected large amounts of data via observation and self-reporting (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) in order to identify traits that were stable across time and situations. He then used a version of factor analysis to define 2 types or supertraits; extraversion and neuroticism, but went on to add a third, psychoticism, as the initial two were unable to explain all the data. Eysenck’s hypothesis is very descriptive, data-driven, and not predictive of future actions, however it offers a hierarchical similar to the later Big 5 model (Cosa and McCrae, 1992, cited in Maltby, Day, & Macaskill, 2010).
By comparing and contrasting two of these approaches the behaviourist and the biological approach it will highlight the different aspects to each approach. Psychology evolved through three subjects’ philosophy, biology and physics. It developed through stages and views, firstly with Psychoanalysis, behaviourism, cognitive, humanistic and lastly biological. Main body Behaviourists believed that we are shaped by the way our behaviours are rewarded. Behaviourists want results, by which they can check measure and observe on the stimulus and the reacted response.
Personality is influenced by genetic factors through temperament. For example, genetics influence individual differences based on how individuals respond and react to their environment. The contribution of genetics to psychological differences has been studied in research focused on behavioral genetics (e.g., Plomin, 2000). The second biological influence is the brain structure and neurotransmitters. As Pinel (2003) explains, gene expression determines how cells may develop and how it can function at personal maturity.
Multicultural Psychology Paper Introduction Our genetic makeup can only partially explain and describe human behavior. Behavior can be strongly influenced by biological tendencies and experience. Culture is defined as a set of attitudes, behaviors and symbols shared by a large group of people and usually communicated from one generation to the next (Hall & Barongan 2010). Multicultural psychology seeks to explain the links underlying cultural influence. The focus of this paper is to define multicultural psychology.