Examine one evolutionary explanation of behaviour.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “examine” requires candidates to consider one evolutionary explanation of behaviour in a way that uncovers the assumptions of evolutionary theory related to behaviour.

Evolutionary theory is based on assumptions such as, but not limited to, the following:
• the basic principles of natural selection (adaptation)
• human behaviours may be inherited
• the mechanism of sexual selection.

Candidates may address one or more assumptions in responding to this question.

Behaviours that may be addressed include, but are not limited to:
• human mating behaviours (Buss, 1990)
• emotional behaviour (for example, disgust, Fessler, 2006; universality of emotional expressions, Ekman and       Friesen, 1971)
• dysfunctional behaviour (for example, depression, Andrews and Thompson, 2009; phobias, Seligman, 1971)
• altruism (Dawkins, 1976).

Research that refers only to genetics without a clear link to one evolutionary explanation of behaviour should not receive credit.

In order to respond to the command term “examine”, candidates may refer to:
• underlying assumptions
• evidence in support of the explanation
• strengths or limitations of the explanation
• contrary explanations of behaviour.

Candidates may address one behaviour in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of behaviours in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.