Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
12.4K
When theory trumps ideology: Lessons from evolutionary psychology
Joshua M Tybur1, Carlos David Navarrete2
1Department of Social and Organizational Psychology,VU University Amsterdam,1081 BT Amsterdam,The Netherlands.j.m.tybur@vu.nlhttp://www.joshtybur.com.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|January 21, 2016
Summary
Evolutionary psychologists, despite being liberal, are often misperceived as conservative. Examining their work may help social psychology address research biases.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Social psychology
Background:
- Personal political leanings of psychologists can influence research perceptions.
- Evolutionary psychologists are predominantly liberal, similar to social psychologists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the perception of bias in evolutionary psychology research.
- To offer insights for the social psychology community on mitigating research biases.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of political leanings and research perception.
- Literature review on bias in psychological research.
Main Results:
- Evolutionary psychology research is rarely perceived as liberally biased.
- Research in evolutionary psychology has been mistakenly associated with conservative agendas.
Conclusions:
- The case of evolutionary psychology offers a model for understanding and addressing perceived bias in psychological research.
- Lessons from evolutionary psychology can guide the broader social psychology field in neutralizing researcher biases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Evolutionary Psychology
1.2K
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
1.2K
01:23Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective
446
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
446
01:29Instinct Theory
1.3K
Instinct theory proposes that innate biological instincts, like animal behavioral patterns, primarily drive human behavior. These instincts are inborn, not learned, and are fundamental to decision-making and action. Just as animals rely on instincts for critical survival functions such as migration, nest building, and defense, humans are also believed to exhibit behaviors rooted in evolutionary needs. For example, the instinct to reproduce motivates sexual behavior, while territorial instincts...
1.3K
01:28Behaviorism
7.8K
The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
7.8K
01:20Trait Theory by Gordon Allport
3.0K
Gordon Allport, often regarded as the father of American personality psychology, developed a theory that emphasized the importance of understanding people in their present lives rather than focusing on their past, as psychoanalysis did. Allport believed that personality should be studied in healthy, well-adjusted individuals rather than those with psychological problems. He was particularly interested in defining traits, which he saw as fundamental mental structures that guide behavior across...
3.0K
01:19The Behavioral Perspective on Personality
949
Behaviorists view personality as primarily shaped by environmental reinforcements and consequences. According to this perspective, behavior is influenced by external stimuli, and individuals adjust their actions based on rewards and punishments. Over time, learning histories — accumulated patterns of reinforcement — play a significant role in shaping personality. Behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are reinforced, while those resulting in negative outcomes are diminished.
949