RCs: 21 to 30 Questions for CAT with Answers PDF

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow: 
Though application of evolutionary theory to the psychology of animals is generally done without controversy, evolutionary psychology as it is applied to human psychology is quite contentious. Proponents of evolutionary psychology believe that psychology must be rooted in biology.
Just as the body’s circulatory, digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, skeletal, and urinary systems are evolved adaptations resulting from natural selection or sexual selection, so too must the seemingly inherent psychological mechanisms be the result of evolution. These psychologists believe that natural selection has engendered many cognitive modules in the brain, ranging from language–acquisition modules to cheater–detection modules. Survivability and sexual selection determine which modules are passed on.
Some critics offer several objections to extending this application to humans. For instance, humans evolved during a period the Pleistocene—about which very little essential demographic information on humans is known. Additionally, some accuse evolutionary psychologists of proffering “just–so stories” internally consistent hypotheses that, nevertheless, have no other supporting evidence. This, skeptics argue, can lead to contradictory conclusions.
For example, such behaviors as monogamy can perpetuate genes, but so too can infidelity. Lastly, some critics accuse evolutionary psychology of ethnocentrism since many traits once considered universal have turned out to be culturally dependent.
Though evolutionary psychology remains controversial, many detractors confess their inexperience and lack of firsthand knowledge with the discipline. Admittedly, the quality of work in this field has been uneven, but, as Edouard Machery stated, “the heuristics and the strategies of confirmation used by evolutionary psychologists are on a firm grounding.”
Q1: The primary purpose of the passage is
(a) to explain the origins of evolutionary psychology.
(b) to resolve a dispute regarding acceptable forms of evidence.
(c) To reconcile the differences between the two methods seeking to explain the same phenomenon.
(d) To describe a field of research and caution against its dismissal.
Ans: (d)
Sol: The first paragraph introduces evolutionary psychology. The second paragraph talks about the limitations of the application of evolutionary psychology to human beings. The last paragraph suggests that the detractors who have raised the objection are inexperienced and lack knowledge, and it can be said that the theory is firmly grounded. Choice D does the best justice.

Q2: The author has mentioned Edouard Machery in order to
(a) To reinforce the conclusion that the objections to the application of evolutionary psychology to humans are justified.
(b) To refute the limitations discussed in the second paragraph of the passage.
(c) To state that the application of evolutionary psychology to human beings is justified.
(d) Supporting the accusations of the other psychologists on ethnocentrism since the traits are universal.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The intent of the author is to establish the idea that the application of evolutionary psychology to human beings is doable as the theory is firmly grounded.

Q3: What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
(a) The application of evolutionary psychology to humans is controversial.
(b) It’s hazardous to apply evolutionary psychology to human beings.
(c) Evolutionary psychology has strong grounds for application.
(d) The quality of work being done in the field of evolutionary psychology demands more attention from psychologists.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The last paragraph suggests that the psychologists who have raised doubts about the application of evolutionary psychology to human beings are less experienced and don’t have sufficient knowledge. So, irrespective of their doubts, the theory has firm grounds.

Q4: Which of the following limitations about the application of evolutionary psychology have been discussed by the author in the passage, except?
(a) Insufficient demographic information is present on the humans of the Pleistocene period.
(b) Critics have accused the concept of the evolutionary theory of ethnocentrism.
(c) Psychologists suggest that natural selection has engendered many of the cognitive modules of the brain.
(d) The concept of evolutionary psychology has no firm grounds for support.
Ans: (c)
Sol: It’s a fact observed regarding evolutionary psychology and not an objection raised.