sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour

Question 1

limitation:may be methodologically flawed.

Answer 1

E - According to Buller, the majority of studies on female mate preference have used female undergraduates as participants. Such women expect to achieve high educational status and so have expectations of high-income levels.

E - The fact that these women express a preference for high-status men might be explained by the evolution of female ‘choosiness’ in partner preference through thousands of years of sexual selection. However, it’s also possible that finding that undergraduate women seek partners of a high educational status may simply reflect their desire for a partner who is like them. This illustrates how research into the relationship between sexual selection and human reproductive behaviour may be undermined by a lack of representative samples.

Question 2

strength:can help explain variations in female reproductive behaviour during the menstrual cycle

Answer 2

E – For example, Penton-Voak (1999) found that for most of their cycle, women showed a preference for slightly feminised male faces, but preferred more masculine faces whilst ovulating.

E – This human reproductive behaviour can be explained by sexual selection. Given the women’s greater parental investment, women are likely to favour a more feminine partner as feminine characteristics, such as being nurturing, are valuable in a long-term partner. However, a more masculine face may be preferable when ovulating as this may indicate ‘strong’ genes that a woman would hope to pass on to her offspring.

Question 3

limitation: socially sensitive

Answer 3

E:explanations of human reproductive behaviour can be misunderstood leading to harmful social consequences.
E:presenting behaviours such as female choosiness as sexually selected can imply that these characters are universal. this is problematic as it may lead to stigmatisation against individuals who do not follow these behaviours. furthermore, it demonstrates a misinterpretation of evolution (sexual selection).
L:therefore, explanations of human behaviour in terms of sexual selection can lead to harmful social consequences.