...Dispositional, Biological and Evolutionary Theory Augustine Conteh Bridget Seeley PSY 405 Date: 10/20/2014 Introduction There are many theories which are used to explain personality. Dispositional theories explain the relationship between personality and attributes. The most well known dispositional theories are factor, tract and Allport’s Psychology of individual theory (Paul, 2009). This chapter will discuss the differences between dispositional and evolutionary or biological personality theories, the strengths or both and how the Big Five personality test is used in the study of personality. The differences between dispositional and biological theories The assumptions of dispositional theories vary from those of other theorists because they provide the basis of study for personality. On the other hand, biological or evolutionary theories believe that personality development is mainly governed by biological maturation in an individual. Environmental factors which may also influence an individual personality are viewed as part of evolutionary theories (Peterson, 2013). Biological oriented personality theories argue that specific environmental factors are not necessary for a species development but the factors are viewed as a provider of opportunities for biological development. Environmental factors in biological theories are required for an individual personality functional and adaptive development. Dispositional theories bring together several thoughts...
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...Better than Rational: Evolutionary Psychology and the Invisible Hand @ Leda Cosmides; John Tooby The American Economic Review, Vol. 84, No. 2, Papers and Proceedings of the Hundred and Sixth Annual Meeting of the American Economic Association (May, 1994), 327-332. Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0002-8282%28 199405%2984%3A2%3C327%3ABTREPA%3E2.O.CO%3B2-9 The American Economic Review is currently published by American Economic Association. Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use, available at http://www.jstor.org/about/terms.html. JSTOR's Terms and Conditions of Use provides, in part, that unless you have obtained prior permission, you may not download an entire issue of a journal or multiple copies of articles, and you may use content in the JSTOR archive only for your personal, non-commercial use. Please contact the publisher regarding any further use of this work. Publisher contact information may be obtained at http://www.j stor.org/journals/aea.html. Each copy of any part of a JSTOR transmission must contain the same copyright notice that appears on the screen or printed page of such transmission. JSTOR is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating and preserving a digital archive of scholarly journals. For more information regarding JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. http://www.jstor.org/ Fri Sep 10 17:38:04 2004 Better than Rational: Evolutionary Psychology and the Invisible...
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...Session 1.3: The Evolution of Cellular Life Exam review view in a separate window In this session we focus on the natural history of cells and the evolutionary timelines of their appearance. The modern phylogenetic classification of domains is used to categorize the different types of cells: bacteria, archea, and eukarya. The names of periods and organisms and certain dates are often helpful in remembering or understanding events that occur in the natural history of evolution. However, we do not expect you to know the names of all organisms mentioned nor all dates (you may find some of the sound attachments on complicated figures useful for review). Those names and dates mentioned below are the ones to key on. The focus in this session is macroevolution which looks broadly at the time lines and changes over long intervals of time. Remember that small changes over millions of years are the framework for evolving complexity from simplicity. Summary of concepts and idea An initial step in covering this material is an understanding of the different types of cells (prokaryotic, eukaryotic animal and plant), their differences, and their place in the phylogeny of life. 1. Information from pre-class reading, Bioflix animations and briefly summarized in class discusses the fundamental components of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. You need to know the differences and understand the basic functions of the cellular components as cells as they are the fundamental...
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...(2004) 91:255–276 DOI 10.1007/s00114-004-0515-y REVIEW Ulrich Kutschera · Karl J. Niklas The modern theory of biological evolution: an expanded synthesis Published online: 17 March 2004 Springer-Verlag 2004 Abstract In 1858, two naturalists, Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, independently proposed natural selection as the basic mechanism responsible for the origin of new phenotypic variants and, ultimately, new species. A large body of evidence for this hypothesis was published in Darwin’s Origin of Species one year later, the appearance of which provoked other leading scientists like August Weismann to adopt and amplify Darwin’s perspective. Weismann’s neo-Darwinian theory of evolution was further elaborated, most notably in a series of books by Theodosius Dobzhansky, Ernst Mayr, Julian Huxley and others. In this article we first summarize the history of life on Earth and provide recent evidence demonstrating that Darwin’s dilemma (the apparent missing Precambrian record of life) has been resolved. Next, the historical development and structure of the “modern synthesis” is described within the context of the following topics: paleobiology and rates of evolution, mass extinctions and species selection, macroevolution and punctuated equilibrium, sexual reproduction and recombination, sexual selection and altruism, endosymbiosis and eukaryotic cell evolution, evolutionary developmental biology, phenotypic plasticity, epigenetic inheritance and molecular evolution, experimental...
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...EFFICIENT MARKETS HYPOTHESIS AND OTHER THEORIES OF PRICING IN FINANCIAL MARKETS Name Course Title/Code Instructor’s Name Date Efficient Markets Hypothesis and other theories of pricing in financial markets Efficient market hypothesis (EMH) is a theory that emerged in the 1960s. It states that it is difficult to predict the market since the price has been set and reflect the current market conditions. It is a disputed and controversial theory. The theory is comparable to other theories of pricing in financial markets. Several strengths and shortcomings emerge through comparison with other theories of pricing (Blinder, et al., 2012). EMH states that no stock is a better buy when compared to others. It is the conclusion that leads to random choices. It is a vital tenet of finance theory. The EMH theory has a basis in other finance theories. It follows the classical theory of asset prices. To determine the connection, a situation where stocks are considered based on good deals. According to the EMH theory, these stocks are worth more than their relative prices. The worth of a stock is the present value of the expected dividends. In this regard, an individual will buy stocks at prices that are below this level. In essence, this is buying stocks that are undervalued assets (Kapil, 2011). Classical theory The classical theory follows the belief that the price of a stock is equal to the best estimate of the stock’s value. This equality means that the undervalued stocks are not real...
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...shift in the history of American psychology. As an outgrowth of Darwin’s evolutionary theory, the functionalist approach focused on the examination of the function and purpose of mind and behavior. Rather than the structures of the mind, functionalism was interested in mental processes and their relation to behavior. Through his work at Harvard as a professor teaching psychology courses and his writings related to the philosophy of pragmatism and functionalism, William James became known as spokesman of this burgeoning approach to psychology. His influence was exponentially increased through the inspiration he gave to his students. G. Stanley Hall, Mary Calkins, and Edward Thorndike are among those who spread functionalist psychology to other universities. DARWIN AND FUNCTIONALISM Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection was tremendously influential on the establishment of functionalism. After his famous voyage on The HMS Beagle, Darwin labored many years to produce the book responsible for a dramatic paradigm shift: The Origin of Species. Darwin’s argued that the environment forces a natural selection upon its inhabitants and favors those inhabitants that have adaptive characteristics. The members within a species who have adaptive characteristics pass on this survival component to their offspring while those members without the adaptive characteristics begin to disappear. The theory of a mechanistic universe proposed by Descartes seemed to be crumbling...
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...What is the most significant set of theories that explain the evolutionary history of our natural world and ongoing environmental change? The origin of life and earth is still one of the greatest mysteries scientists have yet to solve. Modern day science and technology allow us to make theoretically correct assumptions about the past. According to research, it is evident that the earth’s environment and life have been evolving since the beginning of time, which is still evident today as ecosystems and environments continue to change. Three theories that help explain the evolutionary history of our natural world and ongoing environmental change include natural selection, neutral theory of molecular evolution, and the transition into the Anthropocene epoch. Natural selection theory argues that life forms evolve in response to the changes in the environment. Neutral theory of molecular change argues that changes occur in organisms at a constant rate over time without the influence of the environment. Anthropocene is a relatively new term that suggests we have transitioned from the Holocene era to the Anthropocene, which is characterized human dominated activity. These theories are presented in various works, but this paper will focus on Life and the Evolution of Earth’s Atmosphere by Stephen J. Mojzsis, The Anthropocene: a new epoch of geological time? by Jan Zalasiewicz, Mark Williams, Alan Haywood, and Michael Ellis, and The Modern Molecular Clock by Lindell Bromham and David...
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...What is Anthropology??? • • • 20:41 Anthropology • Scientific Approach, OBJECTIVE • Study of Humankind- human groups • Seeks to produce useful GENERALIZATIONS about people and their BEHAVIORS • To arrive at an UNBIASED UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN DIVERSITY • Only scientific discipline that attempts to embrace an understanding of all of humanity • Helps us understand ourselves an others Anthropology Perspectives • Holistic Approach (broadest view) o To view things in the broadest possible contest o To cover the whole scope of humanity o To provide a total or composite view o Human culture as a system, functional whole, all parts relate o Biocultural Perspective Studies both the PHYSICAL and SOCIAL EX: kuru disease (neurological disease)- disease caused by culture, transmitted by mortuary practices • Cultural Relativism o To view the beliefs and customs of other peoples within the context of their culture not one’s own o Practice of not judging other cultures based on the standards of one’s own culture o ENDOCENTRISM Group centeredness Tendency to see ones own culture as the center of everything The measure or standard against which all other lifeways are evaluated Tendency to consider ones own culture as superior or better than all others o Anthropologists must be unbiased, objective o Involves an effort to remain unbiased in ones observations o Acknowledges that cultures are DIFFERENT, but NOT RANKED o No right or wrong cultures...
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...similarities and differences between the three different Psychology Perspectives or specific theories of early Psychology. One theory used will be Structuralism. Another theory used in this paper will be the Functionalism. And lastly the Evolutionary theory will be used. This paper will explain three to four differences between each of the three theories listed and reviewed facts and see how one of these theories is superior to the others or that all three are comparable or equal. The thesis for this essay is “No matter how careful evolution, structuralism, and functionalism are examined, there is no evidence that these will not change in the future” Psychology Perspectives Structuralism, Functionalism, and Evolutionary theories each have similarities and differences among them. Both Structuralism and functionalism reflect the fact that consciousness is the subject matter, but both differ in how each should be studied. Evolutionary theory has potential to integrate conceptual approaches to study behavioral development for human adaption in both humans and animals which Structuralism and Functionalism stem form. Structuralism has many mental processes that are broken down into basic components. Functionalism forms a reaction to Structuralism which focuses on the purpose of both consciousness and behavior and emphasizes individual differences. Influenced by Darwin’s evolutionary theory, William James, John Dewey, James Rowland Angell, and Harvey A. Carr, all led a movement to...
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...descent of different species over many generations * OVER LARGER TIMESCALE (ex. Speciation) * Micro Evolution (Small Scale Evolution) * Changes in gene (allele) frequency in population from one generation to the next * May be over shorter time period (generations) * BOTH OF THESE IMPLY: * 1. Common Ancestry * 2. Changes through time *Natural selection occurs when 3 conditions are met; results in evolution * 1. There is variation in a trait * (Ex. Beetle color) * 2. The trait is heritable * (Ex. Brown beetles tends to have brown babies) * 3. There is differential reproductive success, and not all individuals reproduce to their full potential * (Ex. Green beetles are selected against by natural and Brown beetles are selected for- so they reproduce more) *Adaption: A trait that increases the ability of an individual to survive and reproduce compared with individuals without the trait Adaption in an evolutionary context: An inherited trait that makes an organism more fit in its abiotic and biotic environment, and that has arisen as a result of the direct action of natural selection for its primary function. Ex. Mimicry of the non-toxic king snake to evade predators Natural selection leads to Adaptions * Adjustments or changes In behavior, physiology, or structure of an individual organism to become more suited to an environment * Vestigial Structure: * Feature that was...
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...Outline I. Introduction Thesis: In studying the underlying constructs of psychology – the origins of humanity, human nature, and human purpose – one sees the extensive influence of evolution. When contrasted with the biblical view of creationism, it becomes clear that modern psychology shares little in common with biblical principles. II. Basic Constructs of Human Psychology A. Human 1. What is a human being? 2. How do humans differ from animals? B. Human Behavior 1. Thought, feeling, action 2. Inner and outer worlds of human perception III. Human Origins A. Evolution 1. Life from non-life material/Big Bang Theory 2. Genetic mutation 3. Natural selection a. Competition as the foundation of behavior b. Law of the Jungle B. Creationism 1. God created the universe and all creatures 2. Each species was created separate and distinct 3. God created man special in God’s own image IV. Human Nature A. Evolution 1. Survival of the fittest a. Social behavior b. Mating c. Reproduction 2. Behaviorism a. Behavior is a combination of social learning and genetic influencces b. Effect on antisocial behavior on reproduction 3. Biological determinism a. No real basis for free will B. Creationism 1. Humans were made in God’s image a. God is love, justice, kindness, and joyful 2. The Fall of Man separated humans from God a. ‘War’ between good and evil b. Man’s nature is now sinful 3. Jesus the Son of God redeemed human...
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...for enlightened religion has always found a way to accommodate the advances of science. In fact, understanding evolution should surely deepen and enrich our appreciation of the living world and our place in it. (Coyne, 2009, p. xx) With this introduction to the text and Mr. Coyne’s calming of my fears that I would not burn in hell or be betraying my religion by opening my mind and heart to the information that is being provided. Why not open my mind to the possibility that the Theory of Evolution has some truth that is proven by scientific facts, I believe in medicine and that is based on scientific facts and research. The journey through each of the chapters covered in, Is Evolution True? Your Inner Fish; has been one of revelations, confusion and understanding. Come with me on my journey through, Is Evolution True. Chapter 1 – What is Evolution? This chapter begins with Mr. Coyne breaking down the meaning of evolution. He states that evolution is the idea that a species goes through varies changes in its genetic makeup through many generations which evolves it into...
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...Notes Theory of Evolution: * Gradualism * Speciation * Exchange genes. * Common ancestry. All species go back to a common ancestry. * Natural Selection * Variation * Inherited * Selection * Population will become better adapted to a particular environment. Evolutionary Psychology - 1992 An evolutionary psychological approach: 1. Humans are part of biology. 2. There is nothing special about the human brain 3. Human nature is innate 4. Human behavior is the product of both innate human nature and the environment. Cognitive Psychology 1. Actions are caused by mental processes. 2. The mind is a computer. 3. Humans descended from an ape like ancestor. Heredity 1. Makes offspring look like parents. 2. Genes are written in a molecule called DNA. 3. Children obtain 50 % of their genetic make-up from each parent. Mutations: 1. Mutations occur when a gene inside a cell changes. The evolution of the mind: Cognitive psychology and evolutionary biology meet when we begin discussing the mind evolving through the process of natural selection. What were the adaptive problems faced by our hominid ancestors? 1. Shelter 2. Food The Savannah Principal 1. The savannah principle holds that the human brain has undergone virtually little or no change in the last 10,000, years. Sugars and fats contain calories for survival. Week # 2 Sexual Selection Choosing...
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...Embryonic stem cells versus pronucleus Name Course Institution affiliation Date Embryonic stem cells versus pronucleus Embryonic stem cell and pronucleus techniques have been utilized widely in human cloning. Just as the name suggests, embryonic stem cells are cells derived from the embryos of human beings. The term cloning is used by scientists to describe the variety of processes used in making duplicates of biological materials. This paper will discuss the embryonic cells and pronucleus taking into accounts their application to human cloning. Caenorhadditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster will also be discussed together with application of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Embryonic stem cell has been applied in human cloning through human cloning for biomedical research whereby cloned cells are produced and used in individual patients suffering from diseases like Parkinson’s disease and type 1 diabetes (Fairbanks, 2004). This discovery has been used to develop embryos thus making important steps for medicine. Cloned embryos have been used widely as sources of stem cells, which have been developed to make new heart muscles, bone, brain tissues and other type of cells in the body. The stem cells have provided a breakthrough in medicine by creating new tissues that might be able to heal the damage caused by heart attack or repair severed spinal cord (Fairbanks, 2004). There are trials of utilizing stem cells from donated embryos to try and restore people’s eye sights. The donated...
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...The Evolution of Menopause and the Grandmother Hypothesis Throughout the natural world trade-offs between reproductive success and longevity have been noted by scientists for many years. Most wild animals remain fertile until death, as do human males, and although human males do become less fertile with age, they in general experience no complete shutdown of fertility. Men as old as the age of 94 have been noted to father children (Diamond, 1996). The situation for human women is strikingly different. They undergo menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation, by the time they are in their mid fifties (Lahdenpera et al., 2004). In fact, natural conception after the age of 50 is extremely rare. Menopause has become quite the evolutionary puzzle for modern scientists because natural selection favors increased reproduction, therefore increasing one’s own fitness. The essence of natural selection is that it promotes genes for traits that increase an animal’s number of descendents bearing those genes. Thus, the great question is: How could natural selection result in every female member of a species carrying genes that destroy her ability to leave more descendents? Many theories on the evolution of menopause have arisen in the past 50 years in an attempt to answer this question but they all also have key assumptions and limitations. Proponents of the Grandmother Hypothesis believe that their theory holds the greatest promise to answer this question. The Grandmother Hypothesis...
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