Ethological explanation

• The Ethological explanation seeks to understand the innate behaviour of animals (including humans), by studying them in their

  natural environments.
• Fixed Action Patterns (FAPs) are triggered by IRMs and are a fixed sequence of behaviours.

  Main features (Lea)

  1. Stereotyped
  2. Universal
  3. Unaffected by learning or individual experiences
  4. Ballistic (once its started, it must be completed)
  5. Single purpose
  6. In response to specific stimuli
• The Evolutionary explanation suggests that aggression has an adaptive function because it is useful to humans.
• Innate Releasing Mechanisms (IRMs) are inbuilt processes activated by environmental stimuli. They help prepare a person to be aggressive.
• Sexual jealousy is argues to be an adaptive behaviour, often resulting in aggressive behaviour to avoid cuckoldry.

  • Male sexual jealousy often involves mate retention strategies
• Mate retention strategies attempt to prevent risk of female infidelity:

  • Direct guarding - behaviours that restrict access to other males
  • Negative inducements - use of verbal threats or direct violence to induce fear, therefore reduce chances of female infidelity