Endocrine System (Fight Or flight) AO3

Question 1

✅How does the fight or flight response support an evolutionary explanation for behaviour?

Answer 1

The fight or flight response has biological survival value, as it occurs automatically in response to perceived danger. This suggests it has been shaped through natural selection to enhance survival. Its presence across animal species further supports the idea that it has evolutionary origins.

Question 2

✅What is the biological basis of the fight or flight response and why is it beneficial?

Answer 2

The response involves the sympathetic nervous system and adrenaline, which prepare the body to face threats. This automatic physiological reaction increases chances of survival in dangerous situations.

Question 3

❌ Why does Gray (1988) argue that the fight or flight response is incomplete?

Answer 3

He suggests the first response to danger is often to freeze. This allows for hypervigilance and risk assessment before deciding on an appropriate action. The traditional fight or flight model does not account for this behaviour.

Question 4

❌ How is androcentrism a limitation in fight or flight research?

Answer 4

Early research focused mostly on males and assumed findings applied to females (androcentrism), leading to beta bias by underestimating gender differences. This reduces the explanatory power of the model for females.