How would a sociobiologist account for the existence of altruism?
What will be an ideal response?
The process of evolution is not really a matter of individual survival. What matters is a gene pool distributed across a population. If one group survives and reproduces at a high rate, its genes move on to subsequent generations more than other groups' genes do. In addition to individual reproduction, genes are carried forward to the next generation by anything that helps your part of the gene pool reproduce (inclusive fitness). If you do an altruistic deed for a relative, it helps the relative survive. If an altruistic act (in which you die) saves a great many of your relatives, it helps aspects of your genetic makeup to be passed on because your relatives are genetically similar to you, i.e., kin selection. Thus, the tendency to be altruistic may be genetically based.
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Which of these increases a tendency toward groupthink?
a. The actor-observer effect b. Intergroup competition c. Group loyalty d. Option for anonymous comments
While out trick-or-treating for Halloween, at first, Billy's neighbors had to remind him to say "trick or treat" before they dropped their treats into his bag. As he continued to visit houses in the neighborhood, soon Billy would say "Trick or treat" as soon as the neighbors answered the door. The treats he received were the ____ for his saying "Trick or treat."
a. conditioned stimulus b. reinforcement c. reward d. discriminative stimulus
Men can confuse feelings of intimacy and sex. This relates to
a. an intense intolerance of homosexuality called homophobia. b. misinterpreting a compliment or friendly remark as a sexual invitation. c. a feeling that sex is the only way they can feel intimately connected to someone. d. all of these.
You are considering taking anabolic steroids. What is unlikely to happen?
a. increase in muscle mass c. decreased resistance to stress b. increase in sex drive d. an increase in the body's energy supply