Final answer:
Modular evolutionary psychology studies how cognitive and behavioral patterns have evolved, acknowledging genes' influence on these traits, the importance of gene-environment interactions, and the health repercussions of deviating from our ancestral environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modular evolutionary psychology is a field that combines understanding from genetics and psychology to study how cognitive and behavioral patterns have developed over time due to evolutionary pressures. It suggests that our minds are composed of specialized modules that evolved in response to specific adaptive challenges faced by our ancestors. The principles associated with this field include:
An appreciation for the evolutionary health principle, suggesting that deviations from the conditions for which our physiological and psychological systems evolved (like diet and sleep patterns) can lead to health and behavior issues.
This field acknowledges that while there may be a universal property to cognitive processes, there is also room for individual and cultural variations. It recognizes that while some traits and behaviors are beneficial for survival and reproduction, others may now be mismatches with our modern environment, leading to psychological maladies.