Abstract
Evolutionary psychological theory posits that humans have evolved psychological mechanisms (EPMs) that function to aid in survival and reproduction by processing stimuli perceived to be associated with specific problems of survival and reproduction. One such problem is that of identifying and securing a high quality mate. Consequently, people have EPMs devoted to processing information relevant to identifying high quality individuals who may be either potential mates or potential competitors against whom they may have to fight for access to mates. During mate value evaluation, however, it is possible that one mechanism may have to simultaneously process conflicting information. For example, facial attractiveness is an indicator of high genetic quality and, consequently, high mate value. Stinginess, or unwillingness to invest resources in a romantic partner, is a signal of low mate value in men. So, a woman in the presence of an attractive man who has been accused of being stingy must process both pieces of conflicting information in her evaluation of his worth as a potential mate. Established research in cognitive psychology demonstrates a cognitive cost to processing such conflicting information. The current study utilized a traditional cognitive methodology to examine the influence of stimuli relevance and similarity on cognitive processing speed. Results suggest cognitive costs are related to relevance of stimuli to the activated EPM, rather than to the presence of conflicting stimuli.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Valerie G. Starratt, Dr. Jonathan B. Banks
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-4-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 5:30 PM
Creepy is Quickest but Sexy is Next: Evolved Psychological Mechanisms Impact Stimuli Processing Speed
Alvin Sherman Library
Evolutionary psychological theory posits that humans have evolved psychological mechanisms (EPMs) that function to aid in survival and reproduction by processing stimuli perceived to be associated with specific problems of survival and reproduction. One such problem is that of identifying and securing a high quality mate. Consequently, people have EPMs devoted to processing information relevant to identifying high quality individuals who may be either potential mates or potential competitors against whom they may have to fight for access to mates. During mate value evaluation, however, it is possible that one mechanism may have to simultaneously process conflicting information. For example, facial attractiveness is an indicator of high genetic quality and, consequently, high mate value. Stinginess, or unwillingness to invest resources in a romantic partner, is a signal of low mate value in men. So, a woman in the presence of an attractive man who has been accused of being stingy must process both pieces of conflicting information in her evaluation of his worth as a potential mate. Established research in cognitive psychology demonstrates a cognitive cost to processing such conflicting information. The current study utilized a traditional cognitive methodology to examine the influence of stimuli relevance and similarity on cognitive processing speed. Results suggest cognitive costs are related to relevance of stimuli to the activated EPM, rather than to the presence of conflicting stimuli.
