Which of the following best describes the underlying assumption of evolutionary psychology's motivation theory?

• A. All human motivation is determined solely by cultural and social influences.
• B. Human behaviors and motivations have evolved to solve adaptive problems faced by our ancestors.
• C. Human motivation is best explained by random genetic mutations with no adaptive value.
• D. Motivation is primarily the result of unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that evolutionary psychology focuses on how human behaviors and motivations have been shaped by natural selection to solve problems related to survival and reproduction faced by our ancestors.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the theory assumes motivations are not random or solely culturally determined, but rather have an adaptive function that increased the chances of survival and passing on genes.
3. Step 3: Compare the given options by evaluating whether they align with the idea of evolved adaptive functions versus cultural, random, or psychoanalytic explanations.
4. Step 4: Identify that the option stating 'Human behaviors and motivations have evolved to solve adaptive problems faced by our ancestors' directly reflects the core assumption of evolutionary psychology's motivation theory.
5. Step 5: Conclude that this option best captures the evolutionary perspective, distinguishing it from explanations based solely on culture, randomness, or unconscious conflicts.