Evolution Of Human Mating
Expert-defined terms from the Evolutionary psychology and social psychology course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Absolute Threshold in the context of human perception refers to the minim… #
In the evolution of human mating, this concept is relevant to understanding how people perceive and respond to potential mates. For example, the absolute threshold for noticing a person's physical attractiveness may vary from person to person, influencing their mating decisions.
Adaptation in evolutionary psychology refers to a trait or characteristic… #
In the context of human mating, adaptations such as physical attractiveness, intelligence, and social status have evolved to increase an individual's chances of attracting a mate and producing offspring.
Adaptive Problems in evolutionary psychology refer to the challenges and… #
In the context of human mating, adaptive problems such as finding a suitable mate, competing with rivals, and navigating social norms can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors.
Affect in social psychology refers to the emotions and feelings that peop… #
In the context of human mating, affect plays a crucial role in shaping people's perceptions and behaviors towards potential mates. For example, feelings of attraction and love can motivate individuals to pursue a romantic relationship.
Affiliation in social psychology refers to the tendency for people to for… #
In the context of human mating, affiliation is relevant to understanding how people perceive and respond to potential mates. For example, individuals may be more likely to form a romantic relationship with someone who shares similar values and interests.
Aggression in social psychology refers to behavior intended to harm or do… #
In the context of human mating, aggression can play a role in mate competition and rivalry. For example, males may engage in aggressive behaviors to compete with rivals for access to females.
Altruism in social psychology refers to behavior that benefits others at… #
In the context of human mating, altruism can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals a willingness to invest in and care for others. For example, individuals who exhibit altruistic behaviors such as volunteering or donating to charity may be perceived as more desirable partners.
Attachment in social psychology refers to the tendency for people to form… #
In the context of human mating, attachment style can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors. For example, individuals with a secure attachment style may be more likely to form long-term, committed relationships.
Attraction in social psychology refers to the tendency for people to be d… #
In the context of human mating, attraction is a critical component of the mating process, as it motivates individuals to pursue a romantic relationship. Attraction can be influenced by a range of factors, including physical appearance, personality, and social status.
Beauty in social psychology refers to the perception of physical attracti… #
In the context of human mating, beauty is a highly valued trait, as it signals health, fertility, and high mate value. Individuals who are perceived as physically attractive may have an advantage in the mating market, as they are more likely to attract potential mates.
Behavioral Ecology in evolutionary psychology refers to the study of the… #
In the context of human mating, behavioral ecology can help explain how mating behaviors have evolved to solve adaptive problems such as finding a suitable mate and competing with rivals.
Brain Structure in neuroscience refers to the organization and function o… #
In the context of human mating, brain structure can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences. For example, the reward system in the brain can play a role in the experience of pleasure and reward in response to potential mates.
Byproduct Mutation in evolutionary biology refers to a type of mutation t… #
In the context of human mating, byproduct mutations can influence the evolution of mating behaviors and preferences. For example, a byproduct mutation that affects the perception of physical attractiveness may influence an individual's mating decisions.
Coalitional Psychology in social psychology refers to the study of how pe… #
In the context of human mating, coalitional psychology can help explain how individuals form and maintain romantic relationships, as well as how they navigate social norms and expectations.
Cognitive Biases in social psychology refer to systematic errors in think… #
In the context of human mating, cognitive biases can influence an individual's mating decisions and behaviors. For example, the halo effect can lead individuals to overestimate the attractiveness and qualities of a potential mate.
Communication in social psychology refers to the exchange of information… #
In the context of human mating, communication is critical to the mating process, as it allows individuals to convey their intentions, interests, and qualities to potential mates.
Competition in evolutionary psychology refers to the rivalry between indi… #
In the context of human mating, competition can play a significant role in shaping mating behaviors and strategies. For example, males may engage in competitive behaviors such as mate guarding to prevent rivals from accessing their mate.
Consciousness in philosophy refers to the state of being aware of one's s… #
In the context of human mating, consciousness can influence an individual's mating decisions and behaviors, as they are aware of their own thoughts, feelings, and intentions.
Cooperation in social psychology refers to behavior that benefits both on… #
In the context of human mating, cooperation can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals a willingness to work together and invest in a relationship.
Courtship in evolutionary psychology refers to the behaviors and displays… #
In the context of human mating, courtship is a critical component of the mating process, as it allows individuals to convey their intentions, interests, and qualities to potential mates.
Cultural Evolution in evolutionary psychology refers to the transmission… #
In the context of human mating, cultural evolution can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as cultural norms and expectations can shape their perceptions and behaviors.
Darwinian Fitness in evolutionary biology refers to an individual's abili… #
In the context of human mating, Darwinian fitness is relevant to understanding how mating behaviors and strategies have evolved to enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
Dating in social psychology refers to the process of getting to know a po… #
In the context of human mating, dating is a common way for individuals to assess their compatibility and interest in a potential mate.
Developmental Psychology in psychology refers to the study of human devel… #
In the context of human mating, developmental psychology can help explain how mating behaviors and preferences develop and change over time.
Differential Parental Investment in evolutionary psychology refers to the… #
In the context of human mating, differential parental investment can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as they may be more likely to invest in offspring with a high mate value.
Dominance in social psychology refers to the tendency for individuals to… #
In the context of human mating, dominance can play a role in mate competition and rivalry, as individuals may use dominant behaviors to attract a mate or prevent rivals from accessing their mate.
Dual Mating Theory in evolutionary psychology refers to the idea that hum… #
In the context of human mating, dual mating theory can help explain why individuals may engage in different mating behaviors and strategies, depending on their goals and circumstances.
Emotional Intelligence in psychology refers to the ability to recognize a… #
In the context of human mating, emotional intelligence can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals a willingness to invest in and care for others.
Evolutionary Game Theory in evolutionary biology refers to the study of h… #
In the context of human mating, evolutionary game theory can help explain how mating behaviors and strategies have evolved to enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
Evolutionary Psychology in psychology refers to the study of how evolutio… #
In the context of human mating, evolutionary psychology can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Extraversion in psychology refers to the tendency for individuals to be o… #
In the context of human mating, extraversion can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals a willingness to engage in social interactions and form relationships.
Facial Attractiveness in social psychology refers to the perception of ph… #
In the context of human mating, facial attractiveness is a highly valued trait, as it signals health, fertility, and high mate value.
Female Choice in evolutionary biology refers to the idea that females pla… #
In the context of human mating, female choice can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as females may be more likely to choose mates with high mate value.
Fertility in biology refers to the ability to produce offspring #
In the context of human mating, fertility is a highly valued trait, as it signals an individual's ability to reproduce and pass on their genes.
Flirting in social psychology refers to the behaviors and displays that i… #
In the context of human mating, flirting is a common way for individuals to convey their interest and intentions to potential mates.
Friendship in social psychology refers to the close, enduring relationshi… #
In the context of human mating, friendship can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may form close bonds with their friends before pursuing a romantic relationship.
Game Theory in mathematics refers to the study of how individuals make de… #
In the context of human mating, game theory can help explain how mating behaviors and strategies have evolved to enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
Genotype in genetics refers to an individual's genetic makeup #
In the context of human mating, genotype can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as certain genetic traits may be more attractive to potential mates.
Honest Signaling in evolutionary biology refers to the idea that individu… #
In the context of human mating, honest signaling can play a role in the development of trust and cooperation in romantic relationships.
Human Mate Choice in evolutionary psychology refers to the study of how h… #
In the context of human mating, human mate choice can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Hypergamy in sociology refers to the tendency for individuals to marry or… #
In the context of human mating, hypergamy can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates with higher social status.
Imprinting in psychology refers to the process by which individuals form… #
In the context of human mating, imprinting can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may form close bonds with others based on early experiences.
Inclusive Fitness in evolutionary biology refers to the idea that an indi… #
In the context of human mating, inclusive fitness can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to invest in relatives who share their genes.
Infidelity in social psychology refers to the act of being unfaithful to… #
In the context of human mating, infidelity can play a role in the development of trust and cooperation in romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to engage in infidelity if they perceive their partner as unfaithful or untrustworthy.
Inheritance in genetics refers to the passing of traits from parents to o… #
In the context of human mating, inheritance can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as certain genetic traits may be more attractive to potential mates.
Insight in psychology refers to the ability to understand and interpret o… #
In the context of human mating, insight can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they have a deeper understanding of themselves and their partner.
Intelligence in psychology refers to the ability to learn, reason, and pr… #
In the context of human mating, intelligence can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals a willingness to invest in and care for others.
Interdependence Theory in social psychology refers to the idea that indiv… #
In the context of human mating, interdependence theory can help explain how mating behaviors and strategies have evolved to enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
Jealousy in social psychology refers to the emotion that individuals expe… #
In the context of human mating, jealousy can play a role in the development of trust and cooperation in romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to engage in jealous behaviors if they perceive their partner as unfaithful or untrustworthy.
Kin Selection in evolutionary biology refers to the idea that individuals… #
In the context of human mating, kin selection can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to invest in relatives who share their genes.
Learning Theory in psychology refers to the study of how individuals lear… #
In the context of human mating, learning theory can help explain how mating behaviors and preferences are acquired and changed over time.
Life History Theory in evolutionary biology refers to the study of how ev… #
In the context of human mating, life history theory can help explain how mating behaviors and strategies have evolved to enhance an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
Love in social psychology refers to the strong emotional bond that indivi… #
In the context of human mating, love can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they experience strong emotions such as love and attachment.
Mate Choice in evolutionary psychology refers to the study of how individ… #
In the context of human mating, mate choice can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Mate Guarding in evolutionary psychology refers to the behaviors that ind… #
In the context of human mating, mate guarding can play a role in the development of trust and cooperation in romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to engage in mate guarding behaviors if they perceive their partner as unfaithful or untrustworthy.
Mate Value in evolutionary psychology refers to the perceived value of an… #
In the context of human mating, mate value can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates with high mate value.
Mating Market in economics refers to the social and economic context in w… #
In the context of human mating, the mating market can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who are in high demand.
Mating Strategies in evolutionary psychology refer to the behaviors and t… #
In the context of human mating, mating strategies can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Memory in psychology refers to the ability to store and retrieve informat… #
In the context of human mating, memory can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they have a deeper understanding of themselves and their partner.
Menstrual Cycle in biology refers to the monthly cycle of hormonal change… #
In the context of human mating, the menstrual cycle can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as females may be more likely to pursue mates during certain stages of their cycle.
Mental Health in psychology refers to the state of being free from mental… #
In the context of human mating, mental health can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as individuals with good mental health may be more attractive to potential mates.
Meta #
Analysis in statistics refers to the method of combining the results of multiple studies to draw conclusions. In the context of human mating, meta-analysis can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Mindfulness in psychology refers to the state of being present and aware… #
In the context of human mating, mindfulness can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are more mindful and present.
Monogamy in anthropology refers to the practice of having only one mate a… #
In the context of human mating, monogamy can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue long-term, committed relationships.
Motivation in psychology refers to the driving forces behind an individua… #
In the context of human mating, motivation can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are motivated to invest in and care for their partner.
Natural Selection in evolutionary biology refers to the process by which… #
In the context of human mating, natural selection can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Neuroplasticity in neuroscience refers to the ability of the brain to cha… #
In the context of human mating, neuroplasticity can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to adapt and change in response to their partner's needs.
Nonverbal Communication in social psychology refers to the ways in which… #
In the context of human mating, nonverbal communication can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to communicate effectively without using words.
Objectification in social psychology refers to the tendency to view other… #
In the context of human mating, objectification can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to view their partner as a person rather than an object.
Outdoor Environments in environmental psychology refer to the natural env… #
In the context of human mating, outdoor environments can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates in certain environments.
Parent #
Offspring Conflict in evolutionary biology refers to the conflict that arises between parents and offspring over the allocation of resources. In the context of human mating, parent-offspring conflict can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to invest in offspring who are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Parental Investment in evolutionary biology refers to the resources that… #
In the context of human mating, parental investment can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to invest in offspring who are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Partner Preferences in social psychology refer to the characteristics and… #
In the context of human mating, partner preferences can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who possess certain characteristics and traits.
Personality in psychology refers to the unique characteristics and traits… #
In the context of human mating, personality can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they share similar personality traits.
Phenotype in genetics refers to the physical and behavioral characteristi… #
In the context of human mating, phenotype can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as certain physical and behavioral characteristics may be more attractive to potential mates.
Physiological Measures in psychology refer to the physical responses that… #
In the context of human mating, physiological measures can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they exhibit certain physical responses such as increased heart rate or skin conductance.
Plasticity in neuroscience refers to the ability of the brain to change a… #
In the context of human mating, plasticity can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to adapt and change in response to their partner's needs.
Polygyny in anthropology refers to the practice of having multiple mates… #
In the context of human mating, polygyny can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue multiple mates if they are able to provide for and protect them.
Population Genetics in genetics refers to the study of the genetic struct… #
In the context of human mating, population genetics can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Preference in social psychology refers to the tendency for individuals to… #
In the context of human mating, preference can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who possess certain characteristics or traits.
Primate Behavior in primatology refers to the study of the behavior of no… #
In the context of human mating, primate behavior can provide insights into the evolution of human mating behaviors and preferences.
Prosocial Behavior in social psychology refers to the tendency for indivi… #
In the context of human mating, prosocial behavior can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals a willingness to invest in and care for others.
Psychological Adaptation in evolutionary psychology refers to the idea th… #
In the context of human mating, psychological adaptation can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Rational Choice Theory in economics refers to the idea that individuals m… #
In the context of human mating, rational choice theory can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Reciprocal Altruism in evolutionary biology refers to the idea that indiv… #
In the context of human mating, reciprocal altruism can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they expect to receive benefits in return.
Relationship Satisfaction in social psychology refers to the degree to wh… #
In the context of human mating, relationship satisfaction can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who are able to provide them with a satisfying relationship.
Reproductive Success in evolutionary biology refers to the number of offs… #
In the context of human mating, reproductive success can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who are able to provide them with reproductive success.
Risk #
Taking in psychology refers to the tendency for individuals to engage in behaviors that involve risk or uncertainty. In the context of human mating, risk-taking can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are willing to take risks and invest in their partner.
Romantic Love in social psychology refers to the strong emotional bond #
That individuals form with their romantic partners. In the context of human mating, romantic love can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they experience strong emotions such as love and attachment.
Self #
Perception in psychology refers to the way in which individuals perceive themselves. In the context of human mating, self-perception can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who are able to provide them with a positive self-image.
Sex Differences in evolutionary psychology refer to the differences betwe… #
In the context of human mating, sex differences can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as males and females may have different priorities and preferences when it comes to mate choice.
Sex Ratio in demography refers to the ratio of males to females in a popu… #
In the context of human mating, sex ratio can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates if they are in high demand.
Sexual Selection in evolutionary biology refers to the process by which i… #
In the context of human mating, sexual selection can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Social Exchange Theory in social psychology refers to the idea that indiv… #
In the context of human mating, social exchange theory can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Social Learning in psychology refers to the process by which individuals… #
In the context of human mating, social learning can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they learn new behaviors and attitudes by observing and imitating their partner.
Social Status in sociology refers to the position or rank that an individ… #
In the context of human mating, social status can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue mates who have high social status.
Sociosexuality in social psychology refers to the tendency for individual… #
In the context of human mating, sociosexuality can influence an individual's mating strategies and behaviors, as individuals may be more likely to pursue multiple mates if they are sociosexually oriented.
Spatial Memory in psychology refers to the ability to remember the locati… #
In the context of human mating, spatial memory can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to remember and navigate their social environment.
Strategic Pluralism in evolutionary psychology refers to the idea that in… #
In the context of human mating, strategic pluralism can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Survival Analysis in biostatistics refers to the method of analyzing the… #
In the context of human mating, survival analysis can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Symmetry in biology refers to the degree to which an individual's physica… #
In the context of human mating, symmetry can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals health and high mate value.
Systemizing in psychology refers to the tendency for individuals to analy… #
In the context of human mating, systemizing can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to analyze and understand their partner's needs and behaviors.
Tactics in evolutionary psychology refer to the specific behaviors and st… #
In the context of human mating, tactics can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Testosterone in endocrinology refers to the hormone that plays a key role… #
In the context of human mating, testosterone can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as males with high levels of testosterone may be more likely to engage in aggressive and competitive behaviors.
Theory of Mind in psychology refers to the ability to understand and inte… #
In the context of human mating, theory of mind can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to understand and interpret their partner's thoughts and feelings.
Triangular Theory of Love in social psychology refers to the idea that lo… #
In the context of human mating, the triangular theory of love can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Ultimatum Game in game theory refers to the game in which one player prop… #
In the context of human mating, the ultimatum game can help explain why individuals exhibit certain mating behaviors and preferences, and how these have evolved to solve adaptive problems.
Unconditional Love in social psychology refers to the tendency for indivi… #
In the context of human mating, unconditional love can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they experience unconditional love and acceptance.
Verbal Communication in social psychology refers to the ways in which ind… #
In the context of human mating, verbal communication can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to communicate effectively using language.
Vocal Cues in social psychology refer to the ways in which individuals co… #
In the context of human mating, vocal cues can play a role in the development of romantic relationships, as individuals may be more likely to form close bonds with others if they are able to communicate effectively using vocal cues.
Waist #
to-Hip Ratio in biology refers to the ratio of an individual's waist circumference to their hip circumference. In the context of human mating, waist-to-hip ratio can be an attractive trait to potential mates, as it signals health and high mate value.
Williams' Syndrome in psychology refers to the genetic disorder that is c… #
In the context of human mating, Williams' syndrome can provide insights into the evolution of human mating behaviors and preferences, as individuals with Williams' syndrome may be more likely to form close bonds with others due to their exceptional social skills.
X-Chromosome in genetics refers to the sex chromosome that is responsible… #
In the context of human mating, the X-chromosome can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as females may be more likely to pursue mates who possess certain characteristics and traits.
Y-Chromosome in genetics refers to the sex chromosome that is responsible… #
In the context of human mating, the Y-chromosome can influence an individual's mating behaviors and preferences, as males may be more likely to engage in aggressive and competitive behaviors.
Zygosity in genetics refers to the degree to which twins are genetically… #
In the context of human mating, zygosity can provide insights into the evolution of human mating behaviors and preferences, as twins may be more likely to form close bonds with others due to their genetic similarity.