What Is An Evolutionary Psychologist And How Do They Study Human Behavior?
An evolutionary psychologist tries to understand humanity by examining specific traits that were passed on from our ancestors and how they have shaped our cognition and behavior today. They can then use that information to explain human thoughts, feelings, and actions that may have seemed entirely random before. This article will explain what evolutionary psychology is and how people can utilize it to learn more about themselves. It will also explore how modern humans apply these insights, particularly by looking at evolved mechanisms and psychological adaptations in early development.
What is evolutionary psychology, according to evolutionary psychologists?
Psychology has many different subfields and branches, such as clinical, forensic, and social psychology, to name a few, and evolutionary psychology also belongs to this broad discipline. In general, psychology can be defined as the study of the human mind and behavior. Since this is non-specific, that's where different subfields become useful.
For example, someone might specifically be interested in working with athletes and their mentality and choose to pursue sports psychology. Likewise, a forensic psychologist closely collaborates with the legal system and may work to understand criminal behavior by trying to test hypotheses about motivations. Evolutionary psychology is no exception, and this niche also has its own goals and focuses on certain factors. Evolutionary psychologists seek to ground such hypotheses in our species’ past challenges.
While a formal evolutionary psychologist definition is not widely documented, this subfield can be described as studying how the human mind has changed over time, such as by natural selection and psychological adaptations, especially through Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Evolutionary thinking inspires practitioners to reverse-engineer the human mind as an information processing device for a given species. Evolutionary psychology explains how psychological adaptations, shaped by evolution, produce behavior through specialized psychological mechanisms.
Through natural selection, complex organs like the brain arose to handle recurrent problems such as threat detection. Evolutionary psychology focuses on how biological traits and psychological mechanisms have persisted because they once enhanced the survival of humans through sexual selection.
Evolutionary psychologists focus on how natural selection has shaped human cognition and human behavior, examining how traits that aided survival and reproduction have persisted across generations.
Evolutionary psychology is inspired by Darwin’s work on natural selection and evolutionary biology. Evolutionary psychologists try to understand human nature and the psychological mechanisms of the human brain by applying Darwin’s evolutionary theory.
What are some evolutionary psychologist examples?
In evolutionary psychology, reproduction is vital. Just like in biology and evolutionary biology, where certain physical traits will be more favorable and passed on through natural selection, the same theoretical concept applies here as well. Evolution in the broad sense drives both evolutionary biology and the study of psychological adaptations.
Let's look at our distant hunter-gatherer ancestors. In these societies, communication and cooperation were crucial for survival. This is known as strategic communication, and it provides social advantages, including the likelihood of reproduction. Humans tend to engage in reciprocal actions that foster group cohesion.
Strategic communication and altruism in the view of evolutionary psychologists
One of the purest forms of strategic communication is the ability to make friends. One example of this is reciprocal altruism. In anthropological theory, this means that an individual will temporarily reduce their fitness to improve the well-being of another individual, in hopes that the favor will be returned later, not necessarily immediately. Parental investment theories explain why caregivers invest in their offspring at a cost to themselves.
Such actions build trust and can form small bonds to large alliances, which can continue over time if they are maintained. This behavior has stood the test of time, and even to this day, humans still use strategic communication to increase their chances of making friends and finding a mate. Evolutionary psychology and evolutionary psychologists suggest that even regular altruism, where someone may do nice things with no expectation for anything in return, is commonplace. Social psychology is another field that studies human behavior, such as altruism, to further understand what motivates people to perform certain actions.
Primate behavior and its evolutionary link to human behavior
These types of behavior and communication patterns can also be observed in our closest relatives, primates. Many arguments suggest that, like humans, primates are social creatures and have various organized systems. Some might form monogamous pairs while others form massive groups. Regardless of how large their society is, mating is crucial because it passes down one's genes and allows their families to further survive and reproduce. Animal behavior studies show that grooming and support often follow inherited patterns of parental investment and sex differences.
Several different altruistic and mutualistic behaviors have been demonstrated to reinforce bonds between group members, including grooming and agonistic support. Interestingly, they have shown to consider the history of altruism, rather than expecting something immediately. These observations help researchers in reverse engineering the origins of cooperation.
Although we did not directly evolve from the monkeys and apes that we see in the modern age, there was a common ancestor at one point in time, and eventually, that branched out further and further and developed into present traits and characteristics. Therefore, it is safe to assume that such behaviors that have shaped our psychology and human behavior can date even further back to before humanity. Studies of human nature in other species provide clues as to our own biological traits.
How does an evolutionary psychologist conduct research?
In the modern world, hunter-gatherer societies are quite limited, and many have been influenced by technology. Further, not all evolutionary psychologists are trained in primatology, so how do they perform fieldwork and gather accurate data without ancient groups to study? This is where the evolutionary perspective becomes invaluable: comparing small-scale societies and using cross-cultural methods to identify patterns.
As it turns out, an evolutionary psychologist can examine various present-day cultures, compare them with the past, and theorize explanations for specific behaviors. Some are even universal amongst all cultures (a cross-cultural approach). They treat the human brain as an information processing device, applying cognitive psychology techniques to measure responses.
Take marital dissolution, for example, or any type of mating separation for that matter. Even today, two major causes of these kinds of divides are infidelity and infertility. In the past, infidelity, particularly for men, meant that they could not be completely certain that an offspring was theirs. Regarding infertility, if a man cannot reproduce, this implies that their genes would not be passed down. Sexual selection theories predict these responses, helping researchers test hypotheses in modern contexts.
Similar behavior is present in primates and other animals. Baboons are particularly notorious for performing infanticide if they find a mate that has already produced offspring, and this stems from the desire to father their own, and not another male's genes. The fear response tied to protecting offspring still appears in human parents today, demonstrating a clear link to natural selection.
This type of behavior has been mostly phased out in humans, and step-parenting is very common. While laws might have had something to do with discouraging it, an evolutionary psychologist may be able to explain the decline of infanticide scientifically through research based on psychological adaptations and evolutionary biology.
However, other violent acts in humans still need more investigation. For instance, it can be deduced that sexual jealousy has risen in response to infidelity, but spousal homicide, which is cross-cultural and prevalent, doesn't quite have a logical explanation to scientists. It isn't believed to be adaptive, other than being tied to a sense of ownership grounded in evolutionary theory.
Nonetheless, even looking at modern society, evolutionary psychologists can attempt to answer questions by picking out certain aspects and looking at older groups of people. Particularly, mating and relationships are some of the most researched areas by evolutionary psychologists because these are what facilitate natural selection in the first place. They also come with emotional investment, which leads to psychological adaptations andbehavioral responses.
Why are evolutionary psychologists important?
Like anthropologists, psychologists—particularly those interested in human evolution— dedicate their time to furthering our understanding of our species. By looking at past and present societies, evolutionary psychologists can connect the dots and give us an explanation of why certain behaviors exist. On the other hand, the field can also provide some insights into what kind of traits and psychological mechanisms might be observed in the future.
Evolutionary psychologists' perspectives on fear and adaptation
One example is an aversion to venomous creatures because they can interfere with one's ability to reproduce: for instance, by causing death. This behavioral trait has existed for hundreds of thousands (or possibly millions) of years and is still common. Psychological adaptations like this remain in the human brain.
However, automobiles have a similar threat level as the aforementioned venomous animals, and while there are many people who do possess a fear of driving or flying, vehicles have only been widespread for the last century or so. This is not enough time for our brains to adapt and evolve; yet it presents the possibility that humans one day might develop an innate fear of vehicles because of the risks, though this is theoretical. Here, modern humans face challenges that differ from ancestral recurrent problems, demonstrating a gap between past selection pressures and current environments.
By examining the present and looking at current aspects of everyday life, an evolutionary psychologist can propose ideas of how the brain might perform down the road in human evolution and history. Their insights into early development and complex organs help predict which traits may shift next.
How do you become an evolutionary psychologist?
Like most subfields in any academic area, some degree of specialization, as well as interdisciplinary study, will be required to begin a career as an evolutionary psychologist. For credentials, a doctorate, such as a Ph.D. or a PsyD, should be obtained, but it is recommended that an individual have a firm grasp of other fields, such as biological sciences, genetics, and anthropology. Cognitive psychology coursework can also be valuable.
Early coursework in human nature, genetics, and anthropology lays the foundation for understanding biological traits. Understanding psychological mechanisms in the human mind is crucial for framing research questions.
Educational requirements for becoming an evolutionary psychologist
A doctorate, such as a Ph.D. or PsyD, is typically a requirement for pursuing a career in this field. Since this field is more interdisciplinary, biology, genetics, anthropology, and psychology coursework can help build a strong foundation for understanding and interpreting human behavior.
Importance of interdisciplinary study
Evolutionary psychology comes from multiple disciplines, which can explain the different concepts of human behavior. A good background in anthropology can provide deeper insights into what human evolution and cultural influences are. Biology helps in understanding the physiological and genetic aspects of adaptation. This broad idea and concept can help evolutionary psychologists propose possible theories regarding human behavior.
Career opportunities in evolutionary psychology
Individuals with deep knowledge, background, and expertise in evolutionary psychology can work in research institutions, universities, academia, or applied psychology fields and industries. Many evolutionary psychologists contribute to scientific research and studies, teach at universities, or work in sectors like human resources, behavioral research, and marketing, where understanding these concepts is essential and valuable. They often collaborate with social scientists to integrate insights across disciplines.
The examples throughout this article demonstrate the usefulness of interdisciplinary study when analyzing the origins of certain human behaviors. For instance, having deep knowledge and prior experience with anthropology can familiarize an individual with evolution, specifically for humans, while also diving into and exploring the cultural aspects of behavior. Similarly, a good background in genetics and biology can also provide a better grasp and understanding of inherited traits and adaptation, which are the basic knowledge in studying deeper evolutionary psychology.
The role of natural selection in the growth of evolutionary psychology
There are many fields of psychology, and this one is still relatively young, at least in comparison to other areas. There is a lot of room for evolutionary psychology to grow and attempt to answer many arguments and questions about the human mind and behavior through the lens of natural selection by presenting possible reasons for adaptation. Without evolution, scientific explanations for behavior could be difficult to come by and much more confusing.
Online counseling for those exploring careers in evolutionary psychology
Although it takes years of education to become an evolutionary psychologist, it can be a rewarding experience for those who are interested in the field. To discuss this field further or explore other career options, consider speaking with a career counselor through BetterHelp, an online therapy platform. With BetterHelp, you can talk to your counselor anywhere and at a time that’s convenient for you. This can make it easier and more convenient to get quality mental health care.
Benefits of online counseling
Online counseling can be beneficial for addressing various types of mental health conditions and other life concerns. In a review of 17 different studies, researchers found that online therapy was more effective in treating behavioral issues than in-person interventions. Online sessions were conducted using cognitive behavioral therapy, an approach that helps people develop more positive thoughts.
Takeaway
What do evolutionary psychologists do?
Evolutionary psychologists typically study the ways in which natural selection, evolution, and evolutionary biology have influenced the evolution of human behavior and evolutionary theory by identifying adaptive problems and examining behavioral ecology in ancestral environments. In general, evolutionary psychology and its proponents contend that human nature and the cognitive mechanisms of the human brain are the product of human evolution and psychological adaptations, illustrating foundational evolutionary theory and psychological mechanisms.
They compare human decision–making with animal behavior to uncover shared strategies. Researchers employ reverse engineering to map how the brain produces behavior in modern contexts. Numerous studies have revealed that humans tend to rely on ingrained instincts when faced with uncertainty. Laboratory work in the social sciences turns these insights into testable models. They examine how core aspects of human nature influence decision-making. Field studies reveal consistent patterns in human nature, such as a preference for familiar social groups.
Oxford University Press published a book titled Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology that sheds light on the intricacies of evolutionary theory, evolutionary hypotheses, evolutionary history, and more. This book explores the roots of human nature in evolutionary history. This is just one of many educational publications by Oxford University Press.
Experts in evolutionary psychology use evolutionary theory to explain how psychological adaptations emerge through evolution and influence cognition. Understanding psychological adaptations also shows why evolution produces behavior in predictable ways and how psychological adaptations endure. Studies in evolution span genetics to ecology, illustrating how evolution molds both biology and culture. Ongoing research in evolution uncovers patterns that inform our understanding of ancestral life, showing how evolution repeats successful solutions. Understanding human nature helps explain why certain cognitive biases persist.
Who is a famous evolutionary psychologist?
Charles Darwin is often regarded as one of the most influential evolutionary psychologists. Evolutionary psychologists argue that Darwin’s theories help test hypotheses about human evolution. Both evolutionary biologists and many evolutionary psychologists refer to his work in modern evolutionary psychology. Darwin’s insights reshaped views of human nature, showing how inherited traits shape behaviors.
Many credit early thinkers who showed that principles of animal behavior can illuminate human thought. Their experiments on sexual selection helped explain why we favor certain partners. They emphasized parental investment as a key factor in forming family bonds. Today’s social scientists still draw on those pioneering ideas. Those experiments continue to inform debates about the core of human nature in modern contexts.
Who is an example of an evolutionary psychologist?
Charles Darwin is often considered the father of evolutionary psychology thanks to his notable work in this field. Leda Cosmides is another leading figure in evolutionary psychology and one of the influential evolutionary psychologists.
Building on Darwin’s legacy, Leda Cosmides co-founded a lab to study psychological mechanisms in the same way engineers dismantle machines. Her findings showed how humans solve cooperation puzzles with mental tools. She also highlighted parental investment as a cornerstone of social trust. Cosmides’ work underscores aspects of human nature that govern social cooperation.
Evolutionary psychologists propose that our psychological mechanisms evolved to address specific challenges. Evolutionary psychologists focus on using rigorous research methods to compare cross-cultural behaviors and cultural variation. They also study how social norms and parental investment shaped the minds of our human ancestors. By tracing adaptive strategies, they uncover facets of human nature that solved ancestral problems.
What are evolutionary psychologists most likely to focus on?
Evolutionary psychologists often look at how the human mind functions in response to adaptive challenges. This field is closely related to evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology, and it can be considered a subset of human psychology. They test how certain traits, like risk aversion, improve survival odds. Experiments in social psychology labs measure group decision processes. These studies reinforce the notion that evolution continues to shape our daily choices. Their findings paint a picture of human nature shaped by both ecology and social structure.
Evolutionary psychologists focus on how natural selection shapes psychological mechanisms. They examine how ancestral environments posed adaptive problems for our human ancestors. They use research methods from the social sciences to compare cultural variation. They apply reverse engineering to identify evolved mechanisms in modern humans. This approach reveals enduring truths about human nature across cultures.
How much do evolutionary psychologists make?
An evolutionary psychologist’s salary can vary widely depending on the scope of their work. Some sources give an average of $60,000 per year, and others suggest the average salary may be closer to $140,000 per year.
Consultants applying social sciences research to market trends may earn top-tier fees. Many humans find that tenure-track roles in universities provide stable salaries. Organizations value expertise in psychological mechanisms, driving higher compensation for specialists in evolutionary psychology.
Many evolutionary psychologists work in behavioral ecology research labs. Some hold faculty positions in social sciences departments. Influential evolutionary psychologists often consult on studies of psychological adaptations. Roles focusing on modern humans and human cognition may offer competitive pay.
What does it take to become an evolutionary psychologist?
You’ll usually need a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field to become an evolutionary psychologist. Many evolutionary biologists work alongside evolutionary psychologists. Training often covers evolutionary theory and social psychology. You must study human evolution, cognitive psychology, and advanced research methods. Programs may include lab work in behavioral ecology and seminars on parental investment and sex differences. A firm grasp of evolutionary thinking helps explain adaptive behaviors.
Graduate seminars guide students through core concepts of evolutionary theory. Trainees learn to design studies that test evolutionary hypotheses with real data. Workshops on psychological mechanisms deepen understanding of mental processes. Fieldwork often involves measuring sexual selection patterns and parental investment strategies.
Why is evolutionary psychology controversial in explaining human behavior?
Some critics view evolutionary psychology as reductionist because, in general, evolutionary psychologists argue that all human behavior and psychological mechanisms are the result of adaptation. In addition, some of evolutionary psychology’s views of sex differences and the psychological adaptations that can come with them are often considered controversial.
Many evolutionary psychologists seek to uncover evolved mechanisms that explain why humans behave as they do. They propose evolutionary hypotheses to test if traits arose through natural selection in ancestral environments. This evolutionary thinking can clash with views from other social scientists who focus on cultural variation.
Skeptics argue that focusing on psychological adaptations oversimplifies complex behaviors. They claim that evolutionary psychology sometimes downplays the role of culture in shaping minds and human psychology. Others worry that attributing traits solely to ancestry ignores how humans learn from their environment.
Who benefits from evolutionary psychology?
Evolutionary psychology can benefit mental health professionals and their clients by providing them with additional insight into human behavior, cognitive adaptations, and psychological mechanisms. Understanding human evolutionary history can help individuals understand themselves more fully.
Clinicians apply evolutionary hypotheses to tailor treatments based on psychological adaptations and ancestral coping strategies. Educational programs on evolutionary psychology draw on social sciences frameworks to integrate these insights. Understanding natural selection helps practitioners explain why certain fears persist in humans.
Therapists can use an evolutionary perspective to understand why clients think and feel certain ways and draw on evolutionary hypotheses to tailor treatment approaches. Researchers in the social sciences apply findings from behavioral ecology to see how our minds adapted over time, while clinicians study how mental processes were shaped by natural selection. By examining adaptive behaviors, they develop strategies that help current clients and future generations thrive.
How do evolutionary psychologists explain personality through natural selection?
As a 2018 entry in the Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences explains, “An evolutionary perspective of personality and individual differences proposes that our personalities and individual differences have evolved, in part, through natural selection to provide us with some form of adaptive advantage in the context of survival and reproduction.”
Evolutionary psychologists view personality traits as cognitive adaptations that helped humans solve adaptive problems in ancestral environments. In evolutionary psychology, researchers study how psychological adaptations and personality differences guided future generations toward behaviors that increased reproductive success during evolution.
They test these ideas by comparing behavior across hunter-gatherer societies and modern groups.
Researchers investigate how psychological mechanisms influence traits such as extraversion and neuroticism across cultures. By analyzing cross-cultural data, they test evolutionary theory predictions about temperament. This method shows how humans inherit behavioral tendencies over generations.
Can you major in evolutionary psychology to become an evolutionary psychologist?
You can major in evolutionary psychology at some universities, but it may not always be an option for aspiring evolutionary psychologists. Some students study under evolutionary biologists to learn research methods and techniques. Social scientists often collaborate in these evolutionary psychology programs. Courses cover social psychology, evolutionary theory, and cultural variation.
Some evolutionary psychology programs are housed within social sciences departments, while others sit under biology or psychology faculties. Evolutionary psychology coursework often includes modules on the foundations of human psychology before proceeding to deeper specialty classes. Students learn to formulate and test evolutionary hypotheses in labs and field settings. They also study psychological adaptations in both modern and ancestral contexts in humans.
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