Final answer:
Research suggests that human beings may be predisposed to develop phobias or fears of certain types of objects, known as preparedness. An influential study proposed the existence of an evolved module of fear in humans, which explains the development of phobias. Certain fears, like spiders or snakes, may have provided a survival advantage in the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that human beings may be predisposed to develop phobias or fears of certain types of objects. This concept is known as preparedness, which is the idea that humans are more likely to fear objects or situations that have been historically threatening to their ancestors.
An influential study by Öhman and Mineka (2001) proposed the existence of an evolved module of fear in humans, which helps explain the development of phobias. This module suggests that certain fears are hardwired in our brains due to natural selection.
For example, humans are often predisposed to develop phobias of objects like spiders or snakes, which were historically dangerous to our ancestors. These fears may have provided a survival advantage in the past, but may be less relevant in modern society.