PSYC 426 - Comparative Psychology

(3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or consent of instructor
See Addenda  for changes to this course effective Spring 2020.

This course will introduce students to the use of evolutionary theory as an organizing mechanism in understanding both human and nonhuman behavior. We will examine behavior in terms of Tinbergen’s four questions of nature: What is the cause of the behavior? How does the behavior develop? What is the function of the behavior? How did the behavior evolve? The course will also analyze the effects of natural selection, learning theory and cultural transmission in shaping the behavior of domestic and wild animal species. The course will culminate with a comprehensive research paper on an animal behavior topic of the student’s choice. Offered annually.