Futureproof Extra: Misconceptions of Evolutionary Psychology

At this stage most of us are familiar with the fact that we get one set of genes from our Mum and one from our Dad.

This exact mix is different every time, except in twins, but does dictate our eye colour, hair colour, skin tone, height and can also have a huge effect on our personality and behaviour. 

But can we really say there’s a gene for violence, agreeableness, extroversion and conscientiousness?

And if so, can we trace them through evolution in the same way we can trace our physical traits? 

Laith Al-Shawaf, Assistant Professor & Co-Director of Psychology Undergraduate Education in the Department of Psychology at the University of Colorado joins Jonathan to discuss.

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