Evolutionary psychology is a richly diverse and relatively new perspective in psychology. Often encompassing many strands within and outside of psychology in order to piece together a cohesive theory built on not one but many methodologies. To highlight this, this essay will firstly chart the different types of evidence used in evolutionary psychology then explain, with examples, why the perspective requires a multi method approach. Due to the complexity of scale relating to time and substance of answer required, evolutionary psychologists adopt a range of evidence in the manner of a detective to help piece together a diverse historical structure to present a cohesive foundation from which to present a theory.
Evolutionary psychologists draw upon a combination of behavioral data; what people and animals have been seen to do, material data; via genetic mapping and archaeological evidence and symbolic data; through musical instruments and cave art in order to find thematic consistencies from which to bring forward a theory.
The purpose for evolutionary psychologists is to see not just the similarities and differences between humans but also the differences between humans and our ancestors and our nearest genetic animals. Therefore non-human primates are examined as are viewing of our ancestors, in particular human hunter gathers, as our mind has not seen to have evolved from this period of civilization and thereby owe their origins, regardless of cultural and technological advances, to a time pre-dating farming practices 10,000 years ago.
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The questions posed to me are what I think of Human Psychology and the views of Dr. Buscaglia. My answers are no where near as easy as the questions. I don't know very much about Human Psychology, but from what I do know I think it is a great way to learn about people. I feel this way because I believe the self is a very important part of life. Dealing with a persons troubles in a conscious way ...
Evolutionary psychology also draws evidence from viewing similarities across different cultures, this is termed universality and is seen as an evolved characteristic due to the spread and use of its function. It is this adapted function of the genetic variation that is of interest to evolutionary psychologists as they view evolutionary change to not be purposeful but subject to selective forces. Adaption is a key concept in evolution and
hints at the strains of methodology in attaining both, its origin and progressive development both socially and culturally.
Through adaption it can be seen that evolutionary psychology is distinctly different from the other psychological perspectives. Highlighting the timeframe involved and the answers sought; evolutionary psychologists attempt to find ultimate (functional) answers that answer the question of why rather then proximate answers that relate to how. It is for this reason that evolutionary psychologists draws upon multi research methods to unearth new data which can sit alongside existing hypothesis to form an ultimate answer.
An example of this evolutionary multi method approach can be from the progressive formulation of theory of mind and altruism, both psychological characteristics have evolved and adapted over time and our understanding of each richer due to the diversity of methods used.
Altruism is seen as a classic example of evolutionary adaption as it increases access to sexual partners and/or enhances cooperation, both vital components of human civilizations need to survive and reproduce. Altruism, essentially the performing of an act that is costly to yourself but directly benefits another can be measured and explored via many pathways. Experimentation (prisoners dilemma game), modern humans and studies via various animals all contribute. As does data from genetic and neurobiological evidence highlighting the importance of a multi-method approach within evolutionary psychology in order to get attain accurate and essentially ultimate answers.
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For the purposes of this essay I will concentrate in more detail on theory of mind, which is the ability of an individual to understand themselves and others, the sense to view things from another individual’s perspective. Theory of mind leans on evidence sought from children, autism and primates as these three groups highlight a low level or absence of theory of mind allowing its development and modern implications to be better understood.
Evidence from children is bought forward from experimentation, namely the Maxi test that involves knowledge of false beliefs. The research on children indicates that theory of mind is a progressive state and allows evolutionary psychologists to understand the development of theory of mind within our own life spans.
Autism is also researched for theory of mind as this section of the population has difficulty with social relationships and language. Research on individuals with autism is crucial to the development hypothesis of theory of mind as a necessary vehicle to build social relations, gain status, resources and sexual partners. With all the aforementioned listed being key motivations for evolution.
Theory of mind also benefits from the studies on non-human primates. Apes are monitored and researched in accordance with the behavior to each other in deceitful practices in competition for food, Whiten 1997 (as cited in Helen Clegg, 2007) and their understanding of basic human communication such as following the gaze of an experimenter, Povinelli 1996 (as cited in Helen Clegg, 2007).
Applying theory of mind testing on apes allows psychologists to understand not just its origin but also the degree to which theory of mind is present within apes. This allows psychologists to view not only to what degree we are different to our primate ancestors but also the point where theory of mind came into our sphere of thought
Archaeological evidence also provides knowledge of theory of mind in our ancestors. These can be traced back to the production of imaginary art sculptures and drawings as ‘these artifacts demonstrate an ability to pretend and imagine to a degree that requires a full theory of mind’ (Helen Clegg, 2007, P. 140).
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Theory and Research Introduction This paper will focus on the quantitative correlation study method used in survey based researches such as the attached article entitled 'Horatio Algerlives'. Social research is a collection of methods people use to systematically combine theories and ideas to produce knowledge. Because of it's complexity, researchers must be able to carefully select a method or ...
Therefore as highlighted, the studies centered on children, autism, primates and archeology all contribute to the ultimate formulation of theory of mind by providing data that allows both, the conception and mapping of the whole
via information gathered through variations of research.
In conclusion, this essay has briefly highlighted the different methodologies used by evolutionary psychologists to find an ultimate answer. The examples of altruism and theory of mind show how through different methodologies a picture begins to emerge as to how different behaviors and abilities may have evolved, both improving our understanding of the subject and highlighting the importance of a multi-method perspective within evolutionary psychology.
References
Clegg, H. (2007) Open University: Mapping Psychology. Chapter 2: Evolutionary Psychology. TJ International Ltd.
