Lesson 9

• If human behaviours are innate, what does this mean about nonverbal behavior?

  That it is due to nature rather than nurture
• Who proposed the evolutionary theory, also known as the theory of natural selection?

  Charles Darwin in the 19th century
• What did Darwin say was naturally selected and passed onto the Next Generation as part of evolution?

  Behaviours that increase the chances of Survival and successful reproduction
• How does Darwin argue natural selection?

  The DNA or genes for any behaviour that improved an animals chances of survival are selected through a natural process that requires no thought on the animals' part – it just happens because the genes are beneficial
• How does Darwin define adaptive behaviors?

  Characteristics and behaviours that promote survival and reproduction, give a genetic advantage and is passed on through generations
• Why is non-verbal behaviour an adaptive behaviour?

  Because it promotes survival, it has evolved in animals as a way of expressing emotions
• Why may an animal bear its teeth?

  As a sign of aggression when it feels threatened, this signals that the animal is about to attack and maybe effective in scaring the attacker away
• Why is bearing teeth an adaptive behavior?

  It promotes survival of the individual
• What does Darwin's theory argue all animals are linked by?

  Evolution as many of the non-verbal adaptive behaviours seen in humans can also be seen in animals
• Why is wrinkling the nose when seeing or smelling something disgusting a naturally selected behavior?

  Because it would have meant that an animal could avoid breathing in something potentially dangerous
• Why may opening the eyes wide as a signal of their or surprise be a adaptive behavior?

  Origins may be where an animal might be under threat and being able to see an escape route better would help them to avoid danger
• What are serviceable habits?

  Adaptive to our animal ancestors because they would have promoted survival in the wild
• How are serviceable habits used now in humans?

  They may not necessarily have the same purpose, but I still useful as a way of expressing how we feel
• What kind of non-verbal signals come as a result of activity of the nervous system?

  Tapping our fingers or feet due to a build-up of tension, this indicates that we are bored or restless.

  Activity within the nervous system can cause blushing or blinking.
• How do these non-verbal behavior support Darwin's theory?

  They do not need to be learned, they are an innate part of our biological system
• What cross-cultural study supports Darwin's theory?

  Research found there are six primary emotions associated with the same facial expression in every culture, therefore expression of these emotions is universal, suggesting they are innate
• How do studies of newborn babies support Darwin's theory?

  Babies do not seem to have to learn to smile or maintain eye contact with interacting, these things appear to be innate. This suggests that such behaviors have survival value, to encourage adults to care for a baby
• How does medical evidence support Darwin's theory?

  Backs up the idea that are nervous system causes certain actions, such as pupil dilation
• What does research into people born with a sensory deprivation show?

  That some non-verbal behaviors are present even though people haven't been able to experience others making them
• What does social learning theory suggest that contradicts Darwin's theory?

  That some non verbal behaviors are learned through observing and copying others. Darwin's theory has difficulty explaining cultural differences in nonverbal behavior particularly in personal space and the way we interpret gestures
• How does the use of gestures contradict Darwin's theory?

  Shows that not all non-verbal behaviour helps humans to survive or reproduce