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Conference talks.
She asked for it, and he didn't mean to: Reproductive strategies predict rape myth acceptance.
HAHNEL-PEETERS, R., NGOV, C. & GOETZ, A.T. (NOVEMBER, 2019). SHE ASKED FOR IT, AND HE DIDN'T MEAN TO: REPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES PREDICT RAPE MYTH ACCEPTANCE. TALK PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL SOUTH WESTERN ASSOCIATION FOR BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, TEMPE, AZ.
Humans are a highly social species; we show an intense interest in the activities of others regardless of the consequence of a conspecific’s behavior. We often justify this curiosity and condemnation of behavior through the concept of “morality.” The traditional model of moralistic attitudes (e.g., attitudes about abortion, casual sex, drug use) proposes that these attitudes are an output of political orientation and religiosity. However, researchers have recently demonstrated that several attitudes are being mediated by an individual’s attitudes towards casual sex—possibly serving as a mechanism to prevent interference for reproductive strategies (Weeden Cohen and Kenrick 2008; Kurzban Dukes and Weeden 2010). We propose that individual differences in acceptance of rape myths are being driven by attitudes towards casual sex. Specifically, we examine the relationship between (1) abstract political ideology, (2) attitudes towards casual sex, and (3) rape myth acceptance. Pilot data is currently being collected. We hypothesized that individuals who condemn casual sex will have a higher acceptance of rape myths, and individuals who have more permissive attitudes about casual sex will reject modern rape myths (e.g., she is lying, she wanted it). If rape myth acceptance is driven by attitudes towards casual sex, the relationship between political orientation and the level of rape myth acceptance should be reduced when attitudes about casual sex are controlled.
Humans are a highly social species; we show an intense interest in the activities of others regardless of the consequence of a conspecific’s behavior. We often justify this curiosity and condemnation of behavior through the concept of “morality.” The traditional model of moralistic attitudes (e.g., attitudes about abortion, casual sex, drug use) proposes that these attitudes are an output of political orientation and religiosity. However, researchers have recently demonstrated that several attitudes are being mediated by an individual’s attitudes towards casual sex—possibly serving as a mechanism to prevent interference for reproductive strategies (Weeden Cohen and Kenrick 2008; Kurzban Dukes and Weeden 2010). We propose that individual differences in acceptance of rape myths are being driven by attitudes towards casual sex. Specifically, we examine the relationship between (1) abstract political ideology, (2) attitudes towards casual sex, and (3) rape myth acceptance. Pilot data is currently being collected. We hypothesized that individuals who condemn casual sex will have a higher acceptance of rape myths, and individuals who have more permissive attitudes about casual sex will reject modern rape myths (e.g., she is lying, she wanted it). If rape myth acceptance is driven by attitudes towards casual sex, the relationship between political orientation and the level of rape myth acceptance should be reduced when attitudes about casual sex are controlled.
SELF-PROMOTE OR SELF-EFFACE?: STRATEGIC COORDINATION OF SELF-ASSESSMENT BIASES WITH BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIES.
RODRIGUEZ, N., LUKASZEWSKI, A. W. (MAY, 2019).SELF-PROMOTE OR SELF-EFFACE?: STRATEGIC COORDINATION OF SELF-ASSESSMENT BIASES WITH BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIES. DATABLITZ PRESENTED AT THE 31ST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION SOCIETY, BOSTON, MA.
Self-promotion—signaling to oneself or others that one has more social value or bargaining power than one actually does—can maximize one’s claim to social benefits such as status and influence. However, since people often dislike self-promoters and prefer those who self-efface, engaging in self-promotion can be costly. The current research applies error management logic to develop hypotheses about the coordination of self-assessment biases with behavioral strategies. For individuals pursuing a strategy organized around acquiring status and resources, it is less costly to err on the side of self-promotion. For individuals motivated by the avoidance of social threats, self effacement is the less costly error. To test these ideas, we used three data sets (N = 721) containing measures of subjects’ (1) biases in self-assessment of physical strength and attractiveness (computed as a difference between objective measures and self-assessments), and (2) variation in behavioral strategies. Consistent with hypotheses, self-promotional biases were linked with behavioral strategies organized around status acquisition (e.g., high Extraversion, high Personal Sense of Power, low Honesty-Humility). Additionally, behavioral strategies associated with threat avoidance (e.g., high Fearfulness) tended to self-efface. These findings suggest that self-evaluative biases are functionally coordinated, per error management logic, with strategic behavioral variation.
Self-promotion—signaling to oneself or others that one has more social value or bargaining power than one actually does—can maximize one’s claim to social benefits such as status and influence. However, since people often dislike self-promoters and prefer those who self-efface, engaging in self-promotion can be costly. The current research applies error management logic to develop hypotheses about the coordination of self-assessment biases with behavioral strategies. For individuals pursuing a strategy organized around acquiring status and resources, it is less costly to err on the side of self-promotion. For individuals motivated by the avoidance of social threats, self effacement is the less costly error. To test these ideas, we used three data sets (N = 721) containing measures of subjects’ (1) biases in self-assessment of physical strength and attractiveness (computed as a difference between objective measures and self-assessments), and (2) variation in behavioral strategies. Consistent with hypotheses, self-promotional biases were linked with behavioral strategies organized around status acquisition (e.g., high Extraversion, high Personal Sense of Power, low Honesty-Humility). Additionally, behavioral strategies associated with threat avoidance (e.g., high Fearfulness) tended to self-efface. These findings suggest that self-evaluative biases are functionally coordinated, per error management logic, with strategic behavioral variation.
THE EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY OF GUN OWNERSHIP.
GOETZ, A. T. (2018, MAY). THE EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY OF GUN OWNERSHIP. PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 12TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA WORKSHOP ON EVOLUTIONARY SOCIAL SCIENCE, SANTA BARBARA, CA.
EXAMINING THE SPEED AND AUTOMATICITY OF FORMIDABILITY ASSESSMENT MECHANISMS.
DURKEE, P., GOETZ, A. T., & LUKASZEWSKI, A. L. (JUNE, 2017). EXAMINING THE SPEED AND AUTOMATICITY OF FORMIDABILITY ASSESSMENT MECHANISMS. PAPER PRESENTED AT 29TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION SOCIETY, BOISE, IDAHO.
Throughout vertebrate evolution, asymmetries in the ability to inflict costs and defend resources (i.e., formidability) likely impacted individual fitness and collecting information about formidability (e.g., size, strength, fighting ability) would have been crucial. Accordingly, the human mind should possess mechanisms that can efficiently and accurately track formidability. Previous research has demonstrated that men and women can accurately judge the formidability of others from minimal cues; however, the speed and automaticity of such assessments have not yet been documented. Thus, in the current study, participants underwent a battery of tasks designed to further examine formidability assessment mechanisms. Results suggest that assessments of formidability are automatic (i.e., do not need to be prompted) and fast (i.e., accurate with only 33 milliseconds of exposure). With a few interesting exceptions, theoretically–relevant characteristics of the raters (N = 187) and targets (N = 64) did not influence these assessments. Additionally, eye–tracking data highlight the salience of upper–body musculature as a cue to strength. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence for the existence of formidability assessment mechanisms and demonstrate the importance of evolutionarily–relevant cues in person perception.
Throughout vertebrate evolution, asymmetries in the ability to inflict costs and defend resources (i.e., formidability) likely impacted individual fitness and collecting information about formidability (e.g., size, strength, fighting ability) would have been crucial. Accordingly, the human mind should possess mechanisms that can efficiently and accurately track formidability. Previous research has demonstrated that men and women can accurately judge the formidability of others from minimal cues; however, the speed and automaticity of such assessments have not yet been documented. Thus, in the current study, participants underwent a battery of tasks designed to further examine formidability assessment mechanisms. Results suggest that assessments of formidability are automatic (i.e., do not need to be prompted) and fast (i.e., accurate with only 33 milliseconds of exposure). With a few interesting exceptions, theoretically–relevant characteristics of the raters (N = 187) and targets (N = 64) did not influence these assessments. Additionally, eye–tracking data highlight the salience of upper–body musculature as a cue to strength. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence for the existence of formidability assessment mechanisms and demonstrate the importance of evolutionarily–relevant cues in person perception.
Posters.
Captivated by violence: Do fitness-relevant cues drive our interest in fights?
ACEVEDO, C. M., DURKEE, P.K., & GOETZ, A. T. (2019, APRIL). CAPTIVATED BY VIOLENCE: DO FITNESS-RELEVANT CUES DRIVE OUR INTEREST IN FIGHTS? POSTER PRESENTED AT THE 13TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA WORKSHOP ON EVOLUTIONARY SOCIAL SCIENCE, CHINO HILLS, CA.
Throughout our ancestral past, humans faced various problems that hindered our chances of survival and reproduction. A recurrent problem in our ancestor’s environment was physical altercations. The outcome of fights in our ancestor’s environment provided the spectator with fitness-relevant information (e.g., combatants’ formidability and adherence to the implicit rules of violence). In our modern environment humans are intrigued by contest competitions (i.e., dyadic fights). I hypothesized that (i) people will indicate higher levels of interest for scenarios with more fitness-relevant information, (ii) people will indicate higher levels of interest for scenarios with a fight over a non-violent strength competition, (iii) people will indicate higher levels of interest for a non-morbid fight over a morbid fight, and (iv) more formidable men will indicate higher levels of interest for a scenario with more fitness-relevant information than less formidable men. To test these hypotheses, I systematically varied the amount of fitness-relevant information between several hypothetical fights. In thirteen forced-choice questions designed to test these hypotheses, 463 participants indicated which fight they believe people would find more interesting. Results provided strong support for Hypotheses 1 and 2. Hypotheses 3 and 4 were not supported. Overall, the amount of fitness-relevant information a fight holds largely determines our level of interest in watching that fight.
Throughout our ancestral past, humans faced various problems that hindered our chances of survival and reproduction. A recurrent problem in our ancestor’s environment was physical altercations. The outcome of fights in our ancestor’s environment provided the spectator with fitness-relevant information (e.g., combatants’ formidability and adherence to the implicit rules of violence). In our modern environment humans are intrigued by contest competitions (i.e., dyadic fights). I hypothesized that (i) people will indicate higher levels of interest for scenarios with more fitness-relevant information, (ii) people will indicate higher levels of interest for scenarios with a fight over a non-violent strength competition, (iii) people will indicate higher levels of interest for a non-morbid fight over a morbid fight, and (iv) more formidable men will indicate higher levels of interest for a scenario with more fitness-relevant information than less formidable men. To test these hypotheses, I systematically varied the amount of fitness-relevant information between several hypothetical fights. In thirteen forced-choice questions designed to test these hypotheses, 463 participants indicated which fight they believe people would find more interesting. Results provided strong support for Hypotheses 1 and 2. Hypotheses 3 and 4 were not supported. Overall, the amount of fitness-relevant information a fight holds largely determines our level of interest in watching that fight.
Home is where the nature is: A content analysis of neighborhood and apartment names.
*HAHNEL, R., *DUARTE, H., PEETERS, K., & GOETZ, A. T. (2019, APRIL). HOME IS WHERE THE NATURE IS: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF NEIGHBORHOOD AND APARTMENT NAMES. POSTER PRESENTED AT THE 13TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA WORKSHOP ON EVOLUTIONARY SOCIAL SCIENCE, CHINO HILLS, CA.
Natural selection resulted in human’s evolved preferences and motivations to seek landscapes that provide lush resources while avoiding life-threatening risks (Orians, 1980). These evolved preferences may influence several aspects of modern-day society—including how we manipulate our urban environment. In our study, we explored the relationship between evolved landscape preferences and naming conventions of new constructions—specifically apartment complexes. We hypothesized there would be more nature words in apartment complex names than non-nature words. A content analysis of 2,364 names of apartment buildings was conducted utilizing a program that makes use of Google Maps to gather names from each of the 48 contiguous states of the United States of America. Each apartment name was rated as having nature words (e.g., river, arbor), nature-analogous words (e.g., summer, ranch), or non-nature words (e.g., 4th street, Washington). Sixty percent (n = 1428) of apartment buildings contained nature words, 6% (n = 158) contained nature-analogous, and only 32% (n =807) contained non-nature words (ꭕ2 (2, 2364) = 606.550, p < 0.001). Results supported our hypothesis that there are statistically more nature words than non-nature words in the names of apartment buildings. Our landscape preferences may affect how developers name our homesteads—exploiting our biophilia.
Natural selection resulted in human’s evolved preferences and motivations to seek landscapes that provide lush resources while avoiding life-threatening risks (Orians, 1980). These evolved preferences may influence several aspects of modern-day society—including how we manipulate our urban environment. In our study, we explored the relationship between evolved landscape preferences and naming conventions of new constructions—specifically apartment complexes. We hypothesized there would be more nature words in apartment complex names than non-nature words. A content analysis of 2,364 names of apartment buildings was conducted utilizing a program that makes use of Google Maps to gather names from each of the 48 contiguous states of the United States of America. Each apartment name was rated as having nature words (e.g., river, arbor), nature-analogous words (e.g., summer, ranch), or non-nature words (e.g., 4th street, Washington). Sixty percent (n = 1428) of apartment buildings contained nature words, 6% (n = 158) contained nature-analogous, and only 32% (n =807) contained non-nature words (ꭕ2 (2, 2364) = 606.550, p < 0.001). Results supported our hypothesis that there are statistically more nature words than non-nature words in the names of apartment buildings. Our landscape preferences may affect how developers name our homesteads—exploiting our biophilia.
The evolution of a kiss: Experimentally testing kissing as an honest signal and a commitment assessment device.
RUFF, B., & GOETZ, A. T. (2018, MAY). THE EVOLUTION OF A KISS: EXPERIMENTALLY TESTING KISSING AS AN HONEST SIGNAL AND A COMMITMENT ASSESSMENT DEVICE. POSTER PRESENTED AT THE 12TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA WORKSHOP ON EVOLUTIONARY SOCIAL SCIENCE, SANTA BARBARA, CA.
Exchanging a kiss, although romantic, can also put one at risk to pathogens. In spite of this, roughly half of the world still practices romantic kissing. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that romantic kissing functions as an honest signal and assessment of commitment due to associated health risks. We designed an experimental study, with an online format, taken by individuals that were currently in a romantic relationship. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions with a different prime, which involved thinking of their romantic partner. The first prime was design to cause commitment uncertainty by asking participants to think of their partner cheating on them in different forms using a jealousy instrument. The second, asked participants to list eight negative traits they believed their partner to have. If they perceive that their romantic partner’s mate quality has decreased then the need for a commitment signal and reassurance is less needed. Lastly, we had a third control condition. Afterward they were given a questionnaire measuring attitudes about kissing their partner and attitudes about their partner kissing them. We predicted an increase in desire, importance, and liking of kissing and being kissed by their partner in the commitment uncertainty condition. Our second condition, priming negative mate quality, was predicted to cause a decrease of the same factors for kissing and being kissed by their partner. The results we collected broadly supported our hypotheses.
Exchanging a kiss, although romantic, can also put one at risk to pathogens. In spite of this, roughly half of the world still practices romantic kissing. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that romantic kissing functions as an honest signal and assessment of commitment due to associated health risks. We designed an experimental study, with an online format, taken by individuals that were currently in a romantic relationship. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions with a different prime, which involved thinking of their romantic partner. The first prime was design to cause commitment uncertainty by asking participants to think of their partner cheating on them in different forms using a jealousy instrument. The second, asked participants to list eight negative traits they believed their partner to have. If they perceive that their romantic partner’s mate quality has decreased then the need for a commitment signal and reassurance is less needed. Lastly, we had a third control condition. Afterward they were given a questionnaire measuring attitudes about kissing their partner and attitudes about their partner kissing them. We predicted an increase in desire, importance, and liking of kissing and being kissed by their partner in the commitment uncertainty condition. Our second condition, priming negative mate quality, was predicted to cause a decrease of the same factors for kissing and being kissed by their partner. The results we collected broadly supported our hypotheses.
Is the environmental vertical illusion responsible for the vertical-horizontal illusion?
*IDOINE, J., & GOETZ, A. T. (2017, JUNE). IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL VERTICAL ILLUSION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VERTICAL-HORIZONTAL ILLUSION? POSTER PRESENTED AT 29TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION SOCIETY, BOISE, ID.
The vertical-horizontal illusion (VHI) is the overestimation of a vertical line compared to a horizontal line of the same length ( ┴ ). Jackson and Cormack (2007) proposed that the VHI is a byproduct of the mechanisms that generate the environmental vertical illusion (EVI), which is the tendency to overestimate vertical distances (i.e., heights) relative to horizontal distances the same length. Our participants stood atop a 61-foot (18.6-meter) parking garage and estimated the vertical distance of the garage and the horizontal distance of a target 61-feet away. Participants completed a VHI task by drawing a horizontal line below a 3.6 inch (9.1 cm) vertical line. We correlated vertical distance estimates with vertical line estimates to test Jackson and Cormack’s byproduct hypothesis. Additionally, to test whether the EVI is robust and impervious to explicit awareness, we told a random half of our participants to be mindful that people overestimate heights.
The vertical-horizontal illusion (VHI) is the overestimation of a vertical line compared to a horizontal line of the same length ( ┴ ). Jackson and Cormack (2007) proposed that the VHI is a byproduct of the mechanisms that generate the environmental vertical illusion (EVI), which is the tendency to overestimate vertical distances (i.e., heights) relative to horizontal distances the same length. Our participants stood atop a 61-foot (18.6-meter) parking garage and estimated the vertical distance of the garage and the horizontal distance of a target 61-feet away. Participants completed a VHI task by drawing a horizontal line below a 3.6 inch (9.1 cm) vertical line. We correlated vertical distance estimates with vertical line estimates to test Jackson and Cormack’s byproduct hypothesis. Additionally, to test whether the EVI is robust and impervious to explicit awareness, we told a random half of our participants to be mindful that people overestimate heights.
Using life insurance policies to test the effects of mortality risk on present vs. future oriented behavioral strategies.
Bruno, V., Chua, K., Lukaszewski, A., & Manson, J. (November 2019). Using life insurance policies to test the effects of mortality risk on present vs. future oriented behavioral strategies. Poster presentation at the Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research, San Marcos, CA.
Formal theoretical models in behavioral biology predict that individual variation in behavioral strategies will be determined in part by individual variation in mortality risk (Belsky et al., 2012; Ellis et al., 2009). Specifically, because individuals with a greater risk of dying face probabilistically shorter futures, natural selection would favor mechanisms that calibrate one's prioritization of present goals and reproduction as opposed to future goals and reproduction (Nettle et al. 2013). In short, individuals with greater mortality risk are predicted to be more present-oriented than individuals with lower mortality risk. Because present- vs. future orientation influences many decisions, variation on this fundamental life history continuum is expected to manifest across a wide range of behavioral traits, from mating strategies to resource acquisition strategies to risk avoidance strategies. Although much previous research has tested associations between proxies for mortality risk with psychological and behavioral traits (Keelah E. et al. 2015), empirical assessments of mortality risk have been less than compelling.To test this idea, our research group ran a pilot study in which we had people with life insurance policies look up their mortality risk rating assigned by the insurer and completed a battery of surveys to assess psychological and behavioral indicators of present- vs. future orientation. Our pilot study results were promising: Mortality risk ratings assigned be insurers predicted nearly every variable we expected it to, e.g., high impulsivity, high short-term mating orientation, and low trust in others. We will further replicate the study in the future on a much larger scale and include the novel prediction that individual mortality risk can be accurately estimated based on visual (facial appearance) and auditory (voice) cues.
Formal theoretical models in behavioral biology predict that individual variation in behavioral strategies will be determined in part by individual variation in mortality risk (Belsky et al., 2012; Ellis et al., 2009). Specifically, because individuals with a greater risk of dying face probabilistically shorter futures, natural selection would favor mechanisms that calibrate one's prioritization of present goals and reproduction as opposed to future goals and reproduction (Nettle et al. 2013). In short, individuals with greater mortality risk are predicted to be more present-oriented than individuals with lower mortality risk. Because present- vs. future orientation influences many decisions, variation on this fundamental life history continuum is expected to manifest across a wide range of behavioral traits, from mating strategies to resource acquisition strategies to risk avoidance strategies. Although much previous research has tested associations between proxies for mortality risk with psychological and behavioral traits (Keelah E. et al. 2015), empirical assessments of mortality risk have been less than compelling.To test this idea, our research group ran a pilot study in which we had people with life insurance policies look up their mortality risk rating assigned by the insurer and completed a battery of surveys to assess psychological and behavioral indicators of present- vs. future orientation. Our pilot study results were promising: Mortality risk ratings assigned be insurers predicted nearly every variable we expected it to, e.g., high impulsivity, high short-term mating orientation, and low trust in others. We will further replicate the study in the future on a much larger scale and include the novel prediction that individual mortality risk can be accurately estimated based on visual (facial appearance) and auditory (voice) cues.
DOES EXPLOITATION OF EVOLVED LANDSCAPES PREFERENCES INCREASE PERCEIVED VALUE OF HOMESTEADS?
Hahnel-Peeters, R. *Levine, S., Peeters, K., & Goetz, A. T. Does exploitation of evolved landscape preferences increase perceived value of homesteads? (November, 2019). Poster presented at Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research, San Marcos, CA.
Environments varied throughout history, and some offered more fitness benefits than others did. Evolved landscape preferences may influence several aspects of modern-day society, including how we manipulate our urban environment. In Study 1, we explored the naming conventions of apartment buildings and residential neighborhoods. A content analysis of 2,981 names of apartment buildings and neighborhoods was conducted using a program that employs Google Maps to gather names from each of the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. Each development name was coded as having nature words (e.g. valley), nature analogous words (e.g. west), or non-nature words (e.g. 1st street). Results strongly supported our hypothesis that more apartments and neighborhoods would contain nature words than not. 1,876 of 2,980 names (63%) were named after nature-inspired names. 1,104 of 2980 names (37%) were rated as not-at-all nature. These proportions were statistically different, ꭕ2(1)=199.99, p=2.09-45, 𝜑 = 0.26. Study 2 consisted of an experimental design where we manipulated images of apartments and neighborhoods to contain either nature names or non-nature names. We hypothesized that apartment buildings and residential neighborhoods containing nature names would be valued higher compared to their non-nature named counterparts. Our hypotheses for Study 2 obtained mixed support. Residential spaces with nature titles (M = $305,569, SD = $77,747) were, on average, estamed as more expensive than residential spaces without nature titles (M = $294,611, SD = $71,417), t(108)=1.94, p = .055. While not significant, residential spaces with nature titles (M = 5.34%, SD = 4.28%) were, on average, estimated to contain a lower vacancy rate compared to residential spaces without nature titles (M = 5.45%, SD = 4.33%), t(110)=-0.55, p = .586.
Environments varied throughout history, and some offered more fitness benefits than others did. Evolved landscape preferences may influence several aspects of modern-day society, including how we manipulate our urban environment. In Study 1, we explored the naming conventions of apartment buildings and residential neighborhoods. A content analysis of 2,981 names of apartment buildings and neighborhoods was conducted using a program that employs Google Maps to gather names from each of the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. Each development name was coded as having nature words (e.g. valley), nature analogous words (e.g. west), or non-nature words (e.g. 1st street). Results strongly supported our hypothesis that more apartments and neighborhoods would contain nature words than not. 1,876 of 2,980 names (63%) were named after nature-inspired names. 1,104 of 2980 names (37%) were rated as not-at-all nature. These proportions were statistically different, ꭕ2(1)=199.99, p=2.09-45, 𝜑 = 0.26. Study 2 consisted of an experimental design where we manipulated images of apartments and neighborhoods to contain either nature names or non-nature names. We hypothesized that apartment buildings and residential neighborhoods containing nature names would be valued higher compared to their non-nature named counterparts. Our hypotheses for Study 2 obtained mixed support. Residential spaces with nature titles (M = $305,569, SD = $77,747) were, on average, estamed as more expensive than residential spaces without nature titles (M = $294,611, SD = $71,417), t(108)=1.94, p = .055. While not significant, residential spaces with nature titles (M = 5.34%, SD = 4.28%) were, on average, estimated to contain a lower vacancy rate compared to residential spaces without nature titles (M = 5.45%, SD = 4.33%), t(110)=-0.55, p = .586.
She asked for it, and he didn't mean to: Reproductive strategies predict rape myth acceptance.
Hahnel-Peeters, R., *Garcia, K., Ngov, C., & Goetz, A. T. She asked for it, and he didn’t mean to: Reproductive strategies predict rape myth acceptance. (November, 2019). Poster presented at Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research, San Marcos, CA.
Humans are a highly social species; we show an intense interest in the activities of others regardless of the consequence of a conspecific’s behavior. We often justify this curiosity and condemnation of behavior through the concept of “morality.” The traditional model of moralistic attitudes (e.g., attitudes about abortion, casual sex, drug use) proposes that these attitudes are an output of political orientation and religiosity. However, researchers have recently demonstrated that several attitudes are being mediated by an individual’s attitudes towards casual sex—possibly serving as a mechanism to prevent interference for reproductive strategies (Weeden Cohen and Kenrick 2008; Kurzban Dukes and Weeden 2010). We propose that individual differences in acceptance of rape myths are being driven by attitudes towards casual sex. Specifically, we examine the relationship between (1) abstract political ideology, (2) attitudes towards casual sex, and (3) rape myth acceptance. Pilot data is currently being collected. We hypothesized that individuals who condemn casual sex will have a higher acceptance of rape myths, and individuals who have more permissive attitudes about casual sex will reject modern rape myths (e.g., she is lying, she wanted it). If rape myth acceptance is driven by attitudes towards casual sex, the relationship between political orientation and the level of rape myth acceptance should be reduced when attitudes about casual sex are controlled.
Humans are a highly social species; we show an intense interest in the activities of others regardless of the consequence of a conspecific’s behavior. We often justify this curiosity and condemnation of behavior through the concept of “morality.” The traditional model of moralistic attitudes (e.g., attitudes about abortion, casual sex, drug use) proposes that these attitudes are an output of political orientation and religiosity. However, researchers have recently demonstrated that several attitudes are being mediated by an individual’s attitudes towards casual sex—possibly serving as a mechanism to prevent interference for reproductive strategies (Weeden Cohen and Kenrick 2008; Kurzban Dukes and Weeden 2010). We propose that individual differences in acceptance of rape myths are being driven by attitudes towards casual sex. Specifically, we examine the relationship between (1) abstract political ideology, (2) attitudes towards casual sex, and (3) rape myth acceptance. Pilot data is currently being collected. We hypothesized that individuals who condemn casual sex will have a higher acceptance of rape myths, and individuals who have more permissive attitudes about casual sex will reject modern rape myths (e.g., she is lying, she wanted it). If rape myth acceptance is driven by attitudes towards casual sex, the relationship between political orientation and the level of rape myth acceptance should be reduced when attitudes about casual sex are controlled.
Porn stars and the girl next door: how evolutionarily novel information influences men's perceptions of women's sexuality.
Keil, H. R., Goetz, A. T., *Acevedo, C. M. (2017, June). Porn stars and the girl next door: How evolutionarily novel information influences men’s perceptions of women’s sexuality. Poster presented at 29th Annual Meeting of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society, Boise, ID.
Pornography consumption has become a societal norm. The evolutionarily novel ability to satiate evolved mechanisms associated with sexual desire through pornography may have important consequences for men’s mating psychology. Because men’s understanding of women’s sexuality is dependent on environmental inputs, it is possible that pornography consumption (which typically portrays women’s sexuality as uninhibited) may influence men’s perceptions of women’s sexuality. Alternatively, given the asymmetrical input coming from the environment (i.e., more portrayals of women as not sexually uninhibited versus fewer portrayals of women as sexually uninhibited), it is possible that there is no relationship between pornography consumption and perceptions of women’s 122 sexuality. In this study, we asked a larger group of participants to complete a survey which assessed their pornography consumption, perceptions of women’s sexuality, socio-sexual orientation, and social desirability. Results could have important implications for understanding men’s mating psychology and how we process evolutionarily novel information.
Pornography consumption has become a societal norm. The evolutionarily novel ability to satiate evolved mechanisms associated with sexual desire through pornography may have important consequences for men’s mating psychology. Because men’s understanding of women’s sexuality is dependent on environmental inputs, it is possible that pornography consumption (which typically portrays women’s sexuality as uninhibited) may influence men’s perceptions of women’s sexuality. Alternatively, given the asymmetrical input coming from the environment (i.e., more portrayals of women as not sexually uninhibited versus fewer portrayals of women as sexually uninhibited), it is possible that there is no relationship between pornography consumption and perceptions of women’s 122 sexuality. In this study, we asked a larger group of participants to complete a survey which assessed their pornography consumption, perceptions of women’s sexuality, socio-sexual orientation, and social desirability. Results could have important implications for understanding men’s mating psychology and how we process evolutionarily novel information.
Sex differences in detectio of and arousal to snakes.
Massie, S. Jenson, C. Caine, N. (2019, November). Sex differences in detectio of and arousal to snakes. Poster presented at the Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research, California State University San Marcos.
Snake Detection Theory (Isbell, 2006) proposes that the primate visual system has evolved to quickly detect and react to snakes. Both human and non-human primates respond faster to snake related stimuli and produce larger physiological reactions to snakes than to other stimuli, but these studies have not tested SDT in a naturalistic setting. Jensen and Caine (2019) examined SDT by presenting 160 participants with a video of a virtual hike, on which one of three stimuli was placed at the side of the trail: a realistic model of a snake or rabbit, or a bottle. During the virtual hike, heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin response (GSR) were measured, and participants were asked after the video if they saw any of the three stimuli. Afterwards, participants answered a questionnaire to determine if detection or reaction to snakes is related to fear of snakes. Consistent with SDT, Jensen and Caine (2019) found that participants reported seeing the snake stimuli more often than the rabbit or bottle, and they had greater physiological reactions to the snake than to the other items even if they were not consciously aware of having seen the snake. As a follow up to Jensen and Caine’s study, I analyzed the data to explore if there were any sex differences in snake detection or reactions. Although females reported significantly greater snake fear than males, males were more likely to report seeing a snake than females at levels that approached significance, and there were no gender differences in physiological arousal. We propose that fear of snakes is not a prerequisite for detection, nor are autonomic reactions necessarily tied to self-reported fear in either males or females.
Snake Detection Theory (Isbell, 2006) proposes that the primate visual system has evolved to quickly detect and react to snakes. Both human and non-human primates respond faster to snake related stimuli and produce larger physiological reactions to snakes than to other stimuli, but these studies have not tested SDT in a naturalistic setting. Jensen and Caine (2019) examined SDT by presenting 160 participants with a video of a virtual hike, on which one of three stimuli was placed at the side of the trail: a realistic model of a snake or rabbit, or a bottle. During the virtual hike, heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin response (GSR) were measured, and participants were asked after the video if they saw any of the three stimuli. Afterwards, participants answered a questionnaire to determine if detection or reaction to snakes is related to fear of snakes. Consistent with SDT, Jensen and Caine (2019) found that participants reported seeing the snake stimuli more often than the rabbit or bottle, and they had greater physiological reactions to the snake than to the other items even if they were not consciously aware of having seen the snake. As a follow up to Jensen and Caine’s study, I analyzed the data to explore if there were any sex differences in snake detection or reactions. Although females reported significantly greater snake fear than males, males were more likely to report seeing a snake than females at levels that approached significance, and there were no gender differences in physiological arousal. We propose that fear of snakes is not a prerequisite for detection, nor are autonomic reactions necessarily tied to self-reported fear in either males or females.