Which of the following approaches of psychology states that human mental functions have evolved over millions of years?

Solution(By Examveda Team)

The correct answer is option A. Evolutionary approach. The evolutionary approach in psychology states that human mental functions and behaviors have evolved over millions of years through the process of natural selection. This perspective draws from the principles of evolutionary biology and suggests that certain cognitive processes, emotions, and behaviors have developed because they provided survival and reproductive advantages to our ancestors.

According to the evolutionary approach, human beings possess psychological mechanisms that are adaptations to specific challenges faced by our ancestors in their environment. These adaptations helped them solve problems, make decisions, and increase their chances of survival and reproduction. Examples of such adaptations include fear responses to potential threats, mate selection preferences, and parental instincts.

The evolutionary approach seeks to understand how these evolved mental functions and behaviors are relevant to our modern-day experiences and how they contribute to our psychological processes and behavior patterns. It explores topics such as mate selection, parental behavior, altruism, aggression, and cognitive biases from an evolutionary perspective.

Option B, the socio-cultural approach, focuses on the influence of social and cultural factors on human behavior and mental processes. It examines how social norms, beliefs, values, and cultural practices shape individual and collective behavior.

Option C, the cognitive approach, focuses on understanding mental processes such as perception, attention, memory, thinking, and problem-solving. It examines how individuals acquire, process, store, and use information.

Option D, the humanistic approach, emphasizes individual potential for personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experiences. It focuses on understanding human motivation, self-concept, and the pursuit of personal goals.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A, the evolutionary approach, as it specifically addresses the idea that human mental functions have evolved over millions of years through the process of natural selection.