Evolved Psychological Mechanism Framework
Solving Adaptive Problems
An evolved psychological mechanism is a set of procedures within the organism designed to take in a particular subset of information and transform that information via procedures and decision rules into output that historically has helped with the solution to an adaptive problem. The framework consists of six key components: input, decision rules, output, adaptive problem, function, and evolutionary history.
- Evolved psychological mechanisms are designed to solve specific adaptive problems.
- The input of an evolved psychological mechanism tells an organism the particular adaptive problem it is facing.
- The output of an evolved psychological mechanism is directed toward the solution to a specific adaptive problem.
- Evolved psychological mechanisms provide nonarbitrary criteria for 'carving the mind at its joints'.
- Evolved psychological mechanisms tend to be problem-specific, numerous, and complex.
- Identify the Adaptive ProblemDetermine the specific adaptive problem that the mechanism is designed to solve. This involves understanding the evolutionary history and function of the mechanism.Pro tipConsider the ancestral environment in which the mechanism evolved.WarningBe aware that the adaptive problem may have changed over time.
- Determine the InputIdentify the specific input that triggers the mechanism. This may involve understanding the decision rules and procedures that guide the mechanism.Pro tipConsider the cues that activate the mechanism.WarningBe aware that the input may be context-dependent.
- Evaluate the OutputDetermine the specific output of the mechanism. This may involve understanding the behavioral, physiological, or informational consequences of the mechanism.Pro tipConsider the functional consequences of the output.WarningBe aware that the output may have unintended consequences.
- Consider the Evolutionary HistoryUnderstand the evolutionary history of the mechanism, including the selective pressures that shaped its development.Pro tipConsider the ancestral environment and the adaptive problems faced by ancestors.WarningBe aware that the evolutionary history may be complex and nuanced.
The fear of snakes is an example of an evolved psychological mechanism that is designed to solve the adaptive problem of avoiding predators.
The mechanism of mate selection is an example of an evolved psychological mechanism that is designed to solve the adaptive problem of finding a suitable mate.
The concept of evolved psychological mechanisms originated in the field of evolutionary psychology, which seeks to understand the evolutionary origins of human behavior and cognition. The framework was developed to explain how humans and other animals solve adaptive problems, such as finding food, avoiding predators, and selecting mates.