| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "DARWINIAN ANTHROPOLOGY EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY": |
|
|
Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology, 2002.
This paper compares and contrasts the two major views of the cultural development of humans: Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The writer explores the similarity between the two theories in that each acknowledges the evolutionary mechanisms for behavior that have been inherited. The rest of the paper highlights the ways in which the theories diverge: Darwinian Anthropology feels these are secondary to modern cultural influence while Evolutionary Psychology feels they are primary in explaining how and why we behave as we do.
From the Paper
"Many feel that a combination of the two theories is a viable solution to the differences and weaknesses we have found. While this is not a direct comparison of our two original theories, it is important to look at ways in which they could coexist. These coevolutionary theories combine the study of current adaptations in current culture to help understand the evolution of mechanisms which initially drive the culture. The inverse is also true; studying the mechanisms of evolution in the human mind helps to understand why we behave as we do in modern society."
| |
|
Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology, 2002.
A Comparison of two developmental evolutionary theories.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 10 sources, $ 62.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses two major views of the cultural development of humans, which are Darwinian Anthropology and Evolutionary Psychology. This paper examines both theories and finds that they have similarities, the most obvious of which being the basis of said development on the evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin. Each has its own justifiable points on human development; likewise each has its fallacies. It is the intent of this paper to explore these similarities and differences as well as the ramifications thereof.
| |
|
Evolutionary Theory, 2003.
An examination of the influence and role played by evolutionary thought in cultural anthropology.
3,061 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 17 sources, APA, $ 89.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the idea that evolutionism is tied to an idea of primitive society that crystallized in the 1860?s and 1870?s. It discusses Darwin?s Origin of the Species which appeared in 1859 and how over the next two decades a plethora of books appeared about primitive society. It analyses how these books assumed a unilineal progression from ?primitive? society to modern society and how although these thinkers were called evolutionary, their thinking bore little resemblance to Darwinian evolutionist theory. It explores the thought of evolutionary anthropologists and attempts to discover the methodological and theoretic problems with their arguments. It also examines how evolutionary ideas are transmitted, in an attempt to discover the secret of the longevity.
From the Paper
"One can note that way evolutionist schemata?s are constructed as a gradual progression away from ?nature? as constituted by the west. For instance, all primitive societies are based on kin, and in Morgan?s scheme, it is only after the creation of the monogamous society that private property becomes a possibility. The postulation of an original type by evolutionist theorists is problematic now because such ideas are seen as mere speculation. Furthermore, we are aware that there is a heterogeneous mix of each group that the theorists took to be original types. One methodological criticism underlying all the theorists we will look at is that they took modern hunter-gatherer societies to be representative of prehistory, even though we are now aware they are dynamic societies shaped and changed by their contact with colonialism and agricultural society."
| |
|
Field Projects in Anthropology, 2003.
An illustration of the benefits of field work in the anthropology field through field projects, as seen from the view of Crane and Angrosino's,"Field Project in Anthropology: Third Edition."
1,612 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 52.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper is a thorough analysis of the benefits of field work to the anthropology field, especially to a student or ethnographer. It uses fourteen different field projects as guides for an aspiring anthropologist to use when beginning fieldwork. This paper demonstrates the importance of fieldwork to the anthropology field as a whole, as well as to the individual. All of Crane and Angrosino's projects are summarized, and their meaning is clearly outlined. Topics covered include how to approach, research, begin, continue, and conclude fieldwork in any culture. It provides a concise base from which to base ethnographic studies.
From the Paper
"Julia Crane and Michael Angrosino?s Field Projects in Anthropology (Third Edition) seeks to illustrate the benefits of fieldwork to the anthropology field. Fieldwork is unequivocally necessary for a student to gain anthropological perspective (Crane 1992: v). There are numerous ways that a student can approach fieldwork, and Field Projects shines light on several aspects of anthropological fieldwork through fourteen different projects. These projects characterize some of the more useful data-collection techniques and show students an array of ways to approach anthropological fieldwork (1992: vi)."
| |
|
Evolutionary Psychology, 2006.
A discussion of evolutionary psychology as the bridge between social science and Christianity.
2,500 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses evolutionary psychology, a multi-disciplinary approach to science and philosophy intended to reveal why and how human beings seek out a higher power. This paper discusses how the relatively new field can be used to help interpret the affect of family life on personality as well as the evolution of humanity and our development into social hierarchies. In other words, the paper explains, evolutionary psychology maintains that man should no longer be considered to be a creature of his cultural development -- but instead, cultural developments should be considered to the outcome of man's evolutionary needs and deeds. By critiquing evolutionary psychology, the paper also confronts questions such as: What is at stake in the contemporary drift back to the child-rearing patterns of our mammalian cousins where females provide the care and socialization? and Why do we as a species gravitate towards religion? The paper concludes that evolutionary psychology may ultimately reduce the ideas of the social scientists and elevate those with religious fervor. Therefore, the paper agrees that evolutionary psychology is a bridge between the social sciences and Christianity -- but in a negative sense.
Outline:
Introduction
Debates
Evolutionary Psychology
Social Sciences
Christianity
Bridge
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Discourses on specific relationships between societies, religious factions and their natural environments have been a persistent feature of human nature. There have been numerous writers, philosophers and thinkers that have routinely attempted to tie science, social science and religion together in some elaborate social theory. "The discussion of disciplinary history sheds light on what have often been long and intricate conflicts over the demarcation of disciplinary boundaries, in particular between the biological and social sciences. Any attempt to cross the boundary between biology and the social sciences makes visible the connections and reveals the blind spots created by these disciplinary divisions. Past history is still present in the definition of concepts, the images created by them, and, above all, in the resistance to interdisciplinary interactions. For these reasons, awareness of the sources of potential misunderstandings can help focus attention on real, rather than spurious, disagreements." (Maasen, Mitchell, Richerson, & Weingart, 1997)"
| |
|
Cultural Anthropology, 2002.
Examines some of the common constants in cultural anthropology and how they apply to the field of cultural anthropology.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
There are distinct relationships between culture, maintenance systems, child rearing and ecology that, when observed from a detached view, provide a wealth of information about all of the communities (and all of their permutations) throughout the world. It is the assertion of this paper that these characteristics of a people, regardless of size or any other factor, are common throughout all peoples and is thus used as primary markers by anthropologists upon which to base their work. Therefore, this paper will demonstrate such relationships and how they apply to the field of cultural anthropology.
| |
|
Evolutionary Biology, 2002.
This paper critiques a recent article in evolutionary biology: Velicer, Gregory J. and Richard E Lenski "Evolutionary Trade-offs Under Conditions of Resource Abundance and Scarcity: Experiments with Bacteria" Ecology 80: June 1999, pp. 1168+.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 44.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper outlines the experimental method employed, the importance of the research and its future implications.
| |
|
Interpretive vs. Post Processual Anthropology, 2001.
An anthropology paper discussing the differences between processual and post processual anthropology..
1,397 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how many people believe processual and interpretive archaeology to be completely different schools of thought. By looking at the seven main concepts of processual archaeology and the eight main concepts of interpretive archaeology, the writer demonstrates how they go hand in hand as well as complement each other. The example used is the origin of agriculture.
From the Paper
"Though processual archaeology and interpretive archaeology appear to take different approaches to the study of the human past, they share a common end goal: to understand how societies came into being, how they developed and how they worked, all using data from the archaeological record. The two circles of thought each claim their distinctiveness from the other, but if we compare and contrast their main points, we will see how these two methods relate very closely. In other words, their main differences may just be in terms of scale of analysis. By examining the articles on the origins of agriculture (Redding; Richerson, Boyd, and Bettinger; Hayden; and Hodder) and the approaches of the authors in terms of processual vs. interpretive archaeology, we will see the strengths and weaknesses of each. Ultimately, this analysis will provide insight on how a combination of both fields may prove a more effective method for the study of the human past."
| |
|
Feminism and Anthropology, 2003.
A reflection on on the contributions of the feminist perspective to anthropology.
3,140 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how feminist anthropology emerged in the latter half of the twentieth century and attempted to combat the representation (or lack of it) of women in anthropological writing. It looks at how in doing so, it moved through several stages, from trying to redress the imbalance in ethnographic knowledge, through a critique of the theoretical praxis of anthropology to the uncertain place that it has at present. It examines the background to the feminist movement in anthropology and attempts to see it in historical perspective. It then analyses each of the stages of feminist anthropology and assesses their contribution to the broader subject.
From the Paper
"Feminist anthropology has allowed two great ethnocentric divides to be broken down. The first is that between nature/culture. Running through all the work of feminist anthropology is the rejection of the place women have been assigned as somehow preordained or organic. Fatima Mernissi shows that the passive role of the women in some Muslim societies, who is seen as potentially more sexually aggressive than the male, is a cultural construct: ?what is feared in Muslim marriage is the growth of the involvement between a man and a woman into the all-encompassing love, satisfying the sexual, emotional and intellectual needs of both partners.? Such as involvement would be seen as a direct threat to man's relationship with Allah."
| |
|
Political and Economic Anthropology, 2008.
This paper reflects on two chapters in Robert Lavenda and Emily Schultz's "Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology".
1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 37.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that Lavina and Schultz in "Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology" see political anthropology as the study of power, political ideology, political economy, political organization, social stratification, social control and law, status and role and much later ideas of nationalism and hegemony. The author points out that, in 'economic anthropology', all societies are reported to show a form of material life that can be explained in terms of production, exchange or related material culture, which dictates the types of laws and political practices in that society. The paper states that the study of emergencies, crises or wars tells a good deal about matters of nationalism, hegemony and leadership as reactions of weakness to situations that are unpredictable, such as the strong instinct for 'communitas' that was seen when the United States experienced 9/11.
From the Paper
"Some anthropologists like to study how societies cope with unnatural situations or crises. For instance, if a society has known famine and starvation, or is in a climate that means food can be grown or found only for part of the year, there will be effort to save food for hard times. If the food supply is year-round and easily found, there will be less of this planning ahead. What is very valuable will be guarded by law that can mean tradable goods of high value or perhaps special religious items that no ordinary person is to touch."
| |
|
Altruism Within Evolutionary Biology, 2007.
An analysis of the paradox of altruism within evolutionary biology.
1,502 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines, through collected evidence, whether or not altruism can occur under the premise of evolutionary biology. It explains what evolutionary biology is and then explains the concept of altruism. It then goes on to explain why altruism is a paradox for evolutionary biology. The paper presents theories on altruism in an attempt to explain and minimize this paradox.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Methods
Discussion
From the Paper
"There are many different results that are possible within this experiment. First, the expected result is that the majority of individuals will answer that they would act altruistically. However, they could act altruistically in some cases, as when they are giving change back to others, but selfishly when it comes to saving a drowning person and risking their own lives. Another scenario is that they could act selfishly when they are in the room by themselves, but when they are doing so in conjunction with someone else, they might be motivated by the visual sign of someone else to be altruistic. I argue that in most cases individuals will be altruistic and that they are altruistic because it is a reciprocated trait. When it comes to the questions of whether they would act altruistically knowing that the other person would not do the same. I believe the majority of individuals will still act altruistically. Although this result might differ from person to person."
| |
|
Psycho-Evolutionary Theory of Adventure, 2007.
This paper looks at risk taking behavior and concentrates on Griffiths' psycho-evolutionary theory.
4,703 words (approx. 18.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 121.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the reasons behind risk taking behavior have baffled psychologists and sociologists for many years. This research explores new theories that might help to explain why people love to take risks. It revisits some of the older theories and adds insight into emerging philosophies on risk taking behavior. The proposed study takes into account current theories on risk taking behaviors, but focuses on Griffiths' psycho-evolutionary theory and its impact on risk taking theory. The writer examines several new theories including biophilia, intra-indigenous consciousness, theories in adventure education, and social disconnectedness. The paper also includes appendices, showing details of survey and an IQ test.
Outline:
Proposal
Introduction
Background and Underlying Theory
The Emotional Response to Risk
The History of Risk Theory
Evolutionary Perspectives
Modern Theories
Psycho-evolutionary Theory
Theoretical Basis of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Hypothesis
Methodology
Study Participants
Research Instrument
Procedure
Variables
Data Analysis
Limitations of the Study
Conclusion
Appendix I
Appendix II
Works Cited
From the Paper
"People can be divided into risk takers, risk reducers and risk avoiders. This is termed as the person's risk orientation. Risk avoiders tend to avoid situations that they feel are risky. Risk reducers partake in an activity, but ignore, or refuse to acknowledge the risks involved. Risk takers appear to be attracted to the risks themselves and will participate in an activity because of the risks involved. It is this third category, risk takers that this research will be most concerned with. The purpose of this research will be to tie traditional theories about risk taking to the psychoevolutionary theory in order to examine the possibility of an evolutionary basis for the propensity towards engaging in risky behaviors."
| |
|
Analysis of "Culture and the Evolutionary Process", 2007.
An analysis of "Culture and the Evolutionary Process" by Robert Boyd and Peter Richerson.
1,059 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper ananlyzes the hypotheses presented in Robert Boyd and Peter Richerson's seminal work "Culture and the Evolutionary Process." The reviewer considers assumptions presented in the book which underline the relationship between science and culture in promoting human evolution. The paper also shows links between Boyd and Richardson and earlier research in the field. The reviewer concludes that the discussions and analyses in "Culture and the Evolutionary Process" uncovers explanations and generates further understanding of how humans and human society came about, and continues to develop in the present.
From the Paper
"Boyd and Richerson provide two general assumptions that lead to their hypothesis, which posits that science and culture significantly influence each other in understanding the human evolutionary process. In the words of the authors, "process-oriented "scientific" analyses help us understand how history works, and "historical" data are essential to test scientific hypotheses about how populations and societies change" "
| |
|
The Early Evolutionary History of Horses, 2002.
This paper is a cladogenetic view of the early evolutionary history of horses.
2,365 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 72.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses that, for many years, paleontologists held that the evolution of horses, as evident in the fossil record, was anagenetic, or progressing in a virtually straight, single line of evolution; but more recently paleontologists have found evidence supporting a cladogenetic evolutionary pattern in the Miocene, which created a multiplicity of horse species or "branches" on the evolutionary trunk. The author points out that, as the fossil record yields more and more of its "secrets" to paleontologists through new investigative technologies, the established theories require revision.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Anagenesis and Cladogenesis
The Emergence of Speciated Branching
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper
"The fossil record of horses (family Equidae) over the past 55 million years is a classic example of macroevolution. North America is the ancestral home of horses and many fossil sites across the continent have been identified as containing abundant remains of ancient members of the family. ... states that any given fossil locality in North America from about 50-55 to 20-25 million years ago, it is usually possible to find 2-4 species of horses that seem to have lived side-by-side. However, from about 20-10 million years ago, the fossil record suggests that horses evolved rapidly, adapting to various environments and ways of life."
| |
|
Anthropology in Today?s World, 2002.
A study of the application of anthropology today.
930 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper describes the relevance of anthropology in today?s world. The paper demonstrates that their discoveries and theories bear heavily on our understanding of our past and future, as illustrated by the recent discovery of Neanderthal violence also sheds light on man?s capacity for love and caring. The paper states that anthropology is defined as ?the science of the physical, cultural and social development of man, his evolution, behavior and geographic distribution from prehistoric times to the present.?
From the Paper
"Anthropology is sometimes viewed as a bit arcane as well, but even a quick glance at some of the aspects of anthropologists? work indicates immediately that anthropology is more relevant today than ever. Indeed, anthropologists are one of the only groups of intellectuals who are able to draw together the hard sciences and social sciences and develop cohesive and encompassing theories of history, sociology and understanding."
|
|
|
