Psychology

Psychology 442/542, Winter Quarter 2019

Exam #2 – due Monday February 25

· Answer the following questions in essay format; each answer should take approximately 2 – 3 typed , double-spaced pages (assuming 12 point font and one inch margins).

· I expect you to discuss evidence brought up in assigned readings and/ or class discussion to answer these questions. Opinions are fine, but must be supported. You should cite the source of your information when you introduce and/or discuss it.

· You may use outside sources of information (i.e., besides class discussion and assigned readings), but you are not required to and should not need to do so. You must include a reference list if you choose to use outside sources.

· Questions may ask you to take a side on an issue. If you are undecided, feel free to say so. In this case, you should present evidence on both sides of the issue, and discuss why you find both sides compelling or not compelling.

1. Under what circumstances do humans – a K selected species – act closer to the r-selected side of the spectrum in terms of reproduction? Are you convinced that this is adaptive; in other words, would this shift increase the fitness of the individuals in their circumstances? Why or why not?

2. Explain how bias towards helping kin may solve the “problem” of altruism. Do humans show a bias towards kin? Why or why not (or does it depend on circumstances)? Be sure, as part of your answer, to define inclusive fitness.

3. What knowledge or tendencies seem to be innate in humans? How do we know? What good are these innate tendencies? That is, why do you suppose we have them?