The Science of Human Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Science of Human Pregnancy and Childbirth

How is pregnancy a competition between mother and fetus? Why does a natural birth bond a mother and child? Why do babies cry? Evolutionary medicine says that pregnancy is a war between the mother and fetus. This is because the fetus manipulates the mother’s body to provide more nutrients, sometimes at the cost of the mother’s health. Even after birth, a baby will naturally alert its mother to its needs. Keep reading for more information on the evolution of human pregnancy.

Psychology of Expectations: You Get What You Expect

Psychology of Expectations: You Get What You Expect

What does the psychology of expectations tell us? Is it possible to unlearn expectations? The psychology of expectations says that you will get what you expect. This means that if you expect Coke to taste better than Pepsi, then it will, even if you’d rate Pepsi better in a blind taste test. This is because expectations have a huge impact on your experiences. Keep reading to learn more about the psychology of expectations.

Religion and Altruism: Religion Aided Group Survival

Religion and Altruism: Religion Aided Group Survival

Why are religion and altruism connected? How did religion play a role in cultural evolution? Whether you’re religious or not, there is no denying that religion has played a huge role in shaping our culture and our ideas of morality. As a cultural trait, religion encouraged patterns of mutual trust and obligation—altruism—that aided in group survival and success in the competition with other groups. Continue reading to learn how religion and altruism aided group survival.

Symptoms Are the Body’s Defenses Against Pathogens

Symptoms Are the Body’s Defenses Against Pathogens

Why do we get a fever when we get sick? Should we treat the symptoms of our illnesses? Are symptoms just defenses against illness by the body? The body has created natural defenses to combat infections. While symptoms may seem like they are part of the sickness, they are usually part of the solution. Sometimes treating a symptom can actually delay the body’s healing process. Keep reading to learn about the body’s defenses against sickness.

Inconspicuous Consumption: Experiences Mean More

Inconspicuous Consumption: Experiences Mean More

What is the difference between conspicuous and inconspicuous consumption? Why are we happy making less money as long as it’s more than our peers? Inconspicuous consumption is when we spend money for our own benefit, such as on a vacation, while conspicuous consumption is when we buy materialistic things to demonstrate our wealth. Inconspicuous consumption will bring you more long-term happiness that is absolute, rather than relative happiness. Keep reading to learn why we should only be focusing on inconspicuous consumption.

Statistical Evaluation: How to Assess Legitimacy

Statistical Evaluation: How to Assess Legitimacy

What are the five questions you should ask yourself when looking at statistics? How can you tell when a statistic is being manipulated? It is important to perform a statistical evaluation before you trust any statistic you’re given. Many statistics are manipulated to fulfill an agenda but even manipulated statistics can provide you with valuable information. Continue on to learn how to perform a statistical evaluation.

Evolutionary Hypotheses and the Adaptationist Program

Evolutionary Hypotheses and the Adaptationist Program

How do scientists come up with evolutionary hypotheses? What is the adaptationist program? Proper evolutionary reasoning undertakes the adaptationist program, which is a method of investigation that essentially makes hypotheses testable. This method can be used to help make important medical discoveries. Keep reading for more on evolutionary hypotheses and the adaptationist program.

Reciprocal Altruism Theory: Selfish Selflessness

Reciprocal Altruism Theory: Selfish Selflessness

Why do we feel a strong urge to repay favors, even from strangers? How does altruism lead to happiness? Is it possible to feel good while faking altruism? Reciprocal altruism theory states that we treat others as we have been treated by them. In other words, we may help others at a cost to ourselves, in hopes that others will repay the favor. This altruistic behavior came from evolution because by doing good for others, we are doing good for ourselves. Keep reading to learn more about the reciprocal altruism theory.