1. Explain the two kinds of sexual selection described by Darwin. To what extent do humans practice either type of sexual selection? Apply this in the context of dating, polygamy, extramarital affairs, men or women who chose not to have children, etc.

2. In both the Buss and Khallad readings it was mentioned that preliminary studies have shown that when women obtain a higher economic status their preference for males with a high status actually increases rather than decreasing or staying constant. What are some of the possible reasons for such a finding?

3. How can the fact that some of the evolutionary tendencies in mating have changed in response to societal influences (i.e. women in Sweden taking part in increased casual sex relationships in response to economic changes), while others have remained very consistent over time be explained? Is it possible that with the proper cultural changes that the differences between men and women can be diminished, or are the imprints of evolution too strong to be overcome?

4. In “The Evolution of Desire” reading, Buss describes how sexual strategies in humans have evolved to solve specific adaptive problems. Some examples of sexual strategies are preferences for a particular mate, jealousy, desire for sex and feelings of love. How do certain culturally accepted traditions or behaviors, such as arranged marriages, fit in with this theory? How do sexual strategies explain the Khallad study findings that Jordanian males are disinclined to marry divorcees? What about a male preference for female chastity and virginity?

5. Buss suggests that people who seek similarity in a mate are avoiding wasting time and money from courting people out of their reach. He also says that competing for a mate who exceeds one’s own value can lead to abandonment by a partner who has more mating options. Is this always true? What about people who are truly in love, despite differences in mating options? Connect this idea with last week’s discussion of implicit egotism and its role in interpersonal attraction.

6. If someone were to attempt to carry out a study similar to the one conducted by Buss, what changes, if any, should be made in order to make it a more complete study. Were the cross-cultural sampling and survey data adequate enough to gain a proper understanding into human mating patterns on a universal level, or were there elements missing that could have improved the reliability of the study.

7. If the De Backer study were to be altered to use other “desired” traits for characters of both genders (i.e sexual loyalty, age, ambition, etc.) would there be any difference in the level of recall by the participants of the opposite sex characters or would it remain similar to the original economic status/physical appearance model. Would using any given evolutionary sought after trait create an equivalent outcome, or would there be some difference indicating a ranking of sorts amongst preferences?

8. The De Backer et al. study acknowledges that its focus on heterosexual relations only is a limitation to the research. How does homosexuality tie in with the theories and findings we have read about this week? What types of studies could be done to explore this area further? Can you think of a lab study that would be useful in comparing homosexual and heterosexual courtship or relations?

9. The two types of gossip described in the De Backer et al. study are strategy learning gossip and reputation gossip. Explain the differences between them and the different motivations of the senders and receivers of the gossip. What does the study suggest about gossip’s role in courtship and romantic relationships?