Chapter 9: Evolution, Eysenck, Gray, and Others: Biological Theories

Evolutionary Approaches SUGGESTED READING: LeDoux, J. (2002). Synaptic self: How our brains become who we are. New York: Viking. [Joseph LeDoux includes detailed neuroscience models within an evolutionary model of brain function.] Pinker, S. (2002). The blank slate: The modern denial of human nature. New York: Viking. [Steven Pinker, who has written other books worth reading, here addresses some of the objections that have been raised against a biological, evolutionary model of human nature, and so may prepare the instructor for class discussion on this topic.] Premack, D., & Premack, A. (2003). Original intelligence: Unlocking the mystery of who we are. New York: McGraw-Hill. [Delightfully written, this book provides lots of specific research to supplement lectures.] Temperament SUGGESTED READING: Kagan, J. (1994). Galen's prophecy: Temperament in human nature. New York: Westview Press. Plomin, R. (2002). Individual differences research in a postgenomic era. Personality and Individual Differences, 33, 909920. Biological Trait Theories