Psychology as a science
Of Levels of Analysis
Scientific Psychology vs. Bubba Psychology
The Goals of Science and the use of Theories and Hypotheses
Biopsychology
Proximal & Distal Causes
The Theory of Evolution
Overview of theory and natural selection
Evolution and brain structure
Evolution and human behavior
Biological Approaches to Behavior
Proximal Cause--The immediate cause. In terms of biopsychology--current physiological structure and changes.
Distal Cause--The remote cause. In terms of biopsychology--evolutionary explanations.
Any inherited characteristics that increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction are selected for, and any that decrease the likelihood are selected against
Goldstein, 1994
Members of a species have characteristics that vary (e.g., beak size in birds).
At least some of these characteristics are passed on genetically.
Some of these variable characteristics will aid survival (e.g., a tough beak on nutty island)
Species produce more offspring than survive to be adults (i.e., some organisms die before procreating).
Darwin argues emotions serve communication function
Facial neuromuscular mechanisms show continuity from higher primates
to man.
Facial expressions in humans bear close similarity to animal
responses that originally served a function relating to
defense.
Some facial expressions closely resemble reflexive reactions to
nonsocial stimuli (e.g., foul odor).