Alessi G
Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo 49008.
Am Psychol. 1992 Nov;47(11):1359-70. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.47.11.1359.
B. F. Skinner saw behavior as a product of three levels of evolution. J. R. Kantor and Gregory Bateson noted similar relations. This article describes and applies basic evolutionary concepts to each level: (a) phylogenic, (b) ontogenic, and (c) cultural evolution. Each level is analyzed in terms of (a) units of selection, (b) variety of units required for the selection process, (c) selection pressures, (d) interactions among levels, and (e) implications for understanding and predicting behavior. Distinguishing between models of proximate and ultimate causation, as in biology, may help clarify research problems posed by, and facilitate better communication among, psychologists.
B. F. 斯金纳将行为视为三个进化层次的产物。J. R. 坎托和格雷戈里·贝特森也指出了类似的关系。本文描述了基本的进化概念并将其应用于每个层次：(a) 系统发生进化，(b) 个体发生进化，以及 (c) 文化进化。每个层次都从以下方面进行分析：(a) 选择单位，(b) 选择过程所需的单位种类，(c) 选择压力，(d) 各层次之间的相互作用，以及 (e) 对理解和预测行为的启示。正如在生物学中那样，区分近因和远因因果模型可能有助于澄清心理学家所提出的研究问题，并促进他们之间更好的交流。
