1/ Agression - Neural and hormonal mechanisms Flashcards
what does the neural mechanism the limbic system include, what are the structures thought to be associated with?
- amygdala
- hippocampus
the control of emotions fear and aggression.
what is the amygdala part of the limbic system responsible for?
interpreting sensory info providing an appropriate emotional response. electrically stimulating hamsters amygdala caused them to prepare to attack - aggression
what is the hippocampus part of the limbic system responsible for?
deals with the formation of long term memories. e.g. if an animals encounters an attack their response will become part of their long term memory. overtime attack happens they act in THAT aggressive way.
what supportive evidence is there for the role amygdala part of the limbic system in aggression?
case study - suffered brain damage and had frequent outburst of unproved violent behaviour. after surgery destroying the amygdala no longer had violent behaviour
what methodoglcial issues are there for linking the limbic system and aggression?
not ethically impossible to determine a causal link between two variables - especially in human. also individuals who have abnormal limbic systems and show no signs of aggressive behaviour.
how is the neural mechanism high levels serotonin linked with aggression?
during developing in the womb the brain can be flooded with serotonin - makes brain less sensitive to the calming effects of serotonin.
how is the neural mechanism low levels serotonin linked with aggression?
low levels disrupt the calming effect of serotonin. - more aggressive.
what supporting evidence is there for low levels and aggression?
high levels of alcohol reduce serotonin - explains the well documented link between alcohol and aggression.
what is an issue with a serotonin and aggression?
gender bias (beta bias) - gave pps drug that reduces serotonin then did questionnaire to assess aggression and hostility. showed that taking the drug increased aggression in males but not females - partial explanation.
how does the hormonal mechanism testosterone link with aggression?
affects certain neural circuits before birth - influence testosterone and higher testosterone are linked with physical aggression. highest levels of violence is males aged 15-25 - testosterone levels are at their highest.
what supporting evidence is there for the hormonal mechanism testosterone?
salivary testosterone was measured in violent and non violent criminals. levels of testosterone in violent criminals were higher.
what evidence challenged the link between testosterone and aggression?
more complex- females with high occupational status have higher testosterone levels which relates to increased alertness not aggression.
what are potential practical applications with research into testosterone causing aggression?
biological treatment in lowering testosterone levels and consequently aggression levels - positive implications for economy as it would reduce the burden on the NHS for victims of violence and reduce pressure on judicial system dealing with fewer arrests for violent behaviour.
how does the hormonal mechanism cortisol link to aggression?
hormones produced by adrenal glands in response to stress. higher levels of cortisol are related to lower levels of aggression therefore high levels of cortisol could result in aggressive interactions.
what evidence is there to challenge the link between cortisol and aggression?
studies found no significant correlation between the two in fact found higher levels of cortisol were linked with aggressive behaviour.
