Although Many Human Characteristics Are Neotenous Compared to a Chimpanzee

question 24

Essay

Although many human characteristics are neotenous compared to a chimpanzee, head growth is not. In the fetus of both species, brain and head growth start at approximately the same developmental stage and progress at the same rate. Soon after birth, chimpanzee brain and head growth stops. Human brain and head growth continues for several years after birth. Thus, relative to head growth, reproduction is occurring at a later stage. Assuming that chimpanzees represent the ancestral condition, explain what type of heterochrony humans have in brain development.

Understand the role of unconditional positive regard in achieving self-actualization.

Understand the field of positive psychology including its focus and scope.

Identify and explain the needs within self-determination theory.

Distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic goals and their impacts on personal satisfaction.

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Definitions:

Monkeys Reared

The process of raising and caring for young monkeys, which can include aspects of socialization, feeding, and environmental exposure.

Social Contact

Refers to interactions between individuals which can provide emotional, physical, or social support and foster relationships.

Harlow

Refers to Harry Harlow, an American psychologist best known for his maternal-separation and social isolation experiments on rhesus monkeys, which highlighted the importance of care-giving and companionship in social and cognitive development.

Stimulus-Seeking Behavior

Actions taken by individuals to seek out stimulation or novelty, often to keep the level of arousal or excitement at an optimal level.