AQA A Level Psychology Relationships Questions with 100% Correct Answers

Outline what sexual selection is Correct Answer Sexual Selection is the process of selecting the right mate through competing rivals and engaging in the right behaviours in order for successful conception and child rearing. The evolutionary explanations behind this preference is important as it gives us insight on who will be chosen and who will be excluded. Outline the two ways in which sexual selection operates Correct Answer Intrasexual Selection - this involves individuals of one sex (usually male) outcompeting each other in oder to gain access to the other sex. Those who are successful are able to mate and pass on their genes to their offspring Intersexual Selection - this is where members of one sex evolve preferences for specific qualities in potential mates. This causes the members of the opposite sex who have these qualities to have an advantage and more of a choice of who they want to mate with Outline the rationale behind sexual selection including long term mate preferences Correct Answer Although on the face of it being choosy about mates wastes time and energy in the long run it is essential. The rationale behind it is that if you are choosy then the genetic quality of your mate will be higher quality which will then pass onto offspring. The offspring will then have characteristics such as healthy and being attractive. Females tend to be attracted to those who are able to invest resources into her and her children, physically protect her and her children and are compatible to show minimal costs to her and her children. Outline a study into partner preference Correct Answer Buss conducted a study that involved 10,000 participants from 37 cultures. Asked to rate each of the 18 characteristics on how important they were to them. A four point likert scale was used. They found that the main results were: Resources - it was found that women found this more important than men. Translating into a desire for men with qualities and resources such as ambition and money Physical Attractiveness - men placed more importance on this as it provides a cue to a woman's health and thus fertility Youth - men wanted mates who were younger indicating that they valued increased fertility Intelligence - both sexes wanted this Evaluate the nature of sexual selection Correct Answer Buss's study may lack validity. The study looks at what peoples expressed preferences in mates are rather than an actual reflection of what really happens in a real life situation. The statistics gained from his study do not accurately match marriage statistics on factors such as age. However