Summaries of Psychology Research Studies - Essay Example

Summaries of research studies Introduction Summarizing research studies that are already done can be an enjoyable andeducative. Research done in the field of psychology as always been used to offer broad information covering cognitive, and, which derive empirical conclusion after intensive and careful research. The analyzing of articles is meant to offer an insight to processes that people in psychology use to observe, and derive, discussions and conclusions, which can be used to understand people and society behaviors. Sex Differences in In-Group Cooperation Vary Dynamically with Competitive Conditions and Outcomes Intergroup male contest seems to have significantly impacted to the evolution of sex differences in the ease of forming and sustaining same-sex alliances and connected cognitions about in-groups and out groups. The research conducted by Drew H Bailey, Benjamin Winegard, Jon oxford and Geary C David on the differences in cooperation indicate that they fluctuate dynamically with aggressive conditions and results. The men’s as compared to the women’s investment in public goods game was found to vary vigorously with the existence or nonexistence of a perceived out group. Of the 334 participants from a Midwest undergraduate university, in the research, 167 were young male adults in various iterations of a public goods game under intergroup and individual contest conditions. The participants received response concerning their investment relating on how they performed. They got feedback if their group investment were sufficient to earn a bonus to be shared among all group members (Bailey et al, 115). After the first trial, the results confirmed pre-held research on the topic in which men’s but not women’s investments were higher when a competing out-group existed. The findings as well indicated that investments in the in-group varied depending on the conditions of the outcome of the previous trial. In the group condition, it was found out that men increased their spending following a win, thus allowing for the hypothesis that these patterns reflect a male bias to calibrate their level of in-group investment. Therefore, they sacrifice only what is essential for their group to lucratively contest against an adversary group. The research also found out that men sustain large, well integrated groups seamlessly than women, more so when competing in groups of the same sex. The men vigorously compete for positions within these groups, however, once the dominance hierarchy has been established, they typically sustain friendly relationships with all in-group members and become increasingly skilled at the coordinating group behavior. This article was significant and educative from the psychological point of view as it enables those reading it to understand the variations in the tendencies of male and female behaviors in group settings. The sex variations have been exhibited in the real world, at least indirectly, in many real world phenomena, ranging from sports fandom to ethnic conflict as well suicide terrorism, therefore, making this article relevant for use. Human non-independent mate choice: is model female attractiveness everything It is in human nature for them to have the urge to mate. Psychologists have been exploring human behavior in regards to mating and the factors that influence the choices made by individuals concerning their mating partner. Research carried out on animals excluding humans, led to the development of interest in determining how, humans behave in regards to making choices for mating partners. Research found out that one of the key factors affecting mate choices among humans was attractiveness. The study showed that women rated men who had attractive features higher. This result confirmed the evolutionary explanation that states women are more dependants on physical attractiveness, among their male mates, when picking a mating partner. This ascertains that the more attractive males have a higher chance of attracting a mate more than the less attractive counterparts. Facial attractiveness was crucial in the women responses to males, and the attractive males were picked as the ideal candidates for mating. Women usually carry out their own assessment on potential mates mostly using the information acquired from other females. This information creates perceptions that are used as thresholds to which a woman rates the potential mate. Another phenomenon uncovered by the study was that, women rated men who were involved in relationships as more attractive than the single males. However, this result was not unanimous in that there were conflicting results in the matter. Though there are other factors that influence the choice of mates among human beings, other aspects play a significant role in the formation of a relationship. Attractiveness, though, a significant factor can easily be counseled out by other factors that may be social, intellectual among others. The study highlighted the importance of attractiveness in nature, but disclaimed that it is the only significant factor, in mating among humans (Vakirtzis and Roberts, 230). Kinship Recognition by Unrelated Observers Depends on Implicit and Explicit Cognition It is perceived that parents and children have some distinguishing physical likenesses that can enable a stranger to tell if they are related or not. This can be done by observation of photographs or even physically looking at the individuals. The research was carried out to determine whether an unrelated individual could be able to recognize kinship by observation of people, they have never met before that day. The study used photographs to determine whether the individual; can effortlessly identify the related individuals in the pictures. This was done in order to verify if it is feasible for one to be consciously aware to make the connection among the various kin that took part in the study. This study was instrumental in testing people’s ability to investigate the cognitive processes that underlie the capability of neutral observers relies on the implicit cognitive structure, meaning that, at first sight, it is automatic and does not have to depend on conscious awareness (Arentes, 214). This article was critical in understanding the relationships between children and parents. It has information that can educate a person to recognize the physicals traits that are common between the parent and their offspring. This is educative as it allows for explicit and implicit cognition by a neutral observer to explain differences between mothers and their children. Conclusion Psychology is a significant section in understanding the nature of human beings. It is concerned with how people relate among themselves and the environment. It gives wider information ranging from hoe people associate with each other at work places, schools or any environment that they exist in. It is integral for individuals to have a psychological perspective in handling situations as it allows one to make sound, and suitable judgment whenever faced with a challenging situation. Some sources that offer psychological information that could be essential to people are articles written on the psychology field. These articles do not only offer educative and informative information but also allows one to reflect on their surrounding and themselves. Works cited Arentes Joana. Kinship recognition by unrelated observers depends on implicit and explicit cognition. Evolutionary psychology. 2012. 10(2): 210-224. < http://www.epjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/EP10210224.pdf> Bailey, Drew, Winegard Benjamin, Oxford, Jon and Geary David. Sex differences in In-group cooperation vary dynamically with competitive conditions and outcomes. Evolutionary Psychology. 2012. 10(1):102-119. < http://www.epjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/EP10102119.pdf> Vakirtzis, Antonios and Roberts Craig. Human noindependent mate choice: is model female attractiveness everything? Evolutionary psychology. 2012. 10(2). 225-237. < http://www.epjournal.net/wp-content/uploads/EP10225237.pdf> Read More