Specific versus general adaptations: another unnecessary dichotomy?
Article Abstract:
Thornhill and Thornhill's study provides an unconvincing specific versus general-purpose adaptation dichotomy. Their hypotheses do not truly compete since both sets can not be falsified by data. Diverse findings are reported in laboratory studies of men's sexual arousal in response to rape scenarios. What is apparent is that the general adaptation theory can better explain these findings than the specific theory. Highlighted also is the fact that males really have a proclivity for sex and will use coercion to satisfy desires however, this is offset by indivuals' innate tendency to make cost-benefit assessments of their actions. Thus, the low risk involved in reporting a desire for sex in laboratory setting must be taken into view.
Publication Name: Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0140-525X
Year: 1992
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Evolution, biosocial behavior and coercive sexuality
Article Abstract:
Thornhill and Thornhill's findings offer nothing new to explain the basis and origin of sexual coercion. Their premise that sexual coercion either arose from a rape-specific adaptation or could be a side-effect of a more general psychological adaptation not directly related to rape generate results which can support both the rape-specific hypothesis and the side-effect hypothesis. The debate is never ending. However, Thornhill and Thornhill have uncovered other interesting avenues for research in their work.
Publication Name: Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0140-525X
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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