Aggression Flashcards
1
Q
2 types of aggression?
A
- Proactive aggression:
- Cold blooded
- Intended/ planned
( bullying) - Reactive aggression:
- Hot blooded
- Angry + impulsive
- Accompanied by physical arousal
(Response to smth)
2
Q
Neural mechanism
- Limbic system:
A
limbic system
- subcortical structure in the brain (hypothalamus + amygdala) thought to be closely involved in regulating emotional behaviour (aggression)
- Associated emotional response
3
Q
- Hypothalamus
A
Controls hormone release = maintain homeostasis
- Regulates blood pressure, breathing, hunger, anger, response
4
Q
- Amygdala
A
- play a role in assessing + responding to environmental challenges /stimulus (alarm systems)
- When a subject is provoked = amygdala is stimulated
5
Q
- Hippocampus
A
- Is involved in memory, learning, + emotion
6
Q
Supporting evidence:
Kluver + Bucy’s procedure + findings
A
- Rhesus monkey’ removed the main areas of the limbic system including the amygdala, hippocampus + surrounding cortical areas
findings:
- Monkeys displayed an absence of emotional, motor+ vocal reactions normally associated with stimuli / situations eliciting fear + anger
- Lesioned monkeys also lost the social understanding of group hierarchies + would try to fight the more dominant + larger members of the group
7
Q
AO3 of it
A
- Adds credibility to the role of neural mechanisms on aggressive behaviour + increases our confidence that aggression is influenced by biological factors
- Also means we cannot only predict who is more likely to demonstrate aggressive behaviour, but researchers could potentially ‘control’ aggressive behaviour through drug therapy
- Could have positive economical implications as such treatment could possibly reduce the levels of violent crimes + institutional aggression
8
Q
Neural mechanism
- Serotonin
A
- Normal levels have an inhibitory effect
- Inhibits / decreases likelihood that serotonin will fire + pass on the electrical impulse to the amygdala
- Normal levels of serotonin are linked with
a greater degree of behavioural self-control - Decreased levels of serotonin = reduced
self control, increase in impulsive behaviour including aggression
9
Q
supporting evidence for the association between serotonin + aggressive behaviour :
Ferrari et al
A
- They allowed adult male rats to fight with another rat at a specific time for 10 days
- On the 11th day = rat wasn’t allowed to fight
- Researchers found that the rat’s dopamine levels had raised by 65% + his serotonin levels were reduced by 35%
- Despite the fact that the rat was not fighting = the experience had changed the rat’s brain chemistry
10
Q
Ferrari et al AO3
A
- Adds credibility to the role of neural
mechanisms in aggressive behaviour + increases our confidence in the claim that aggression is influence by biological factors - it means we cannot only predict who is
more likely to demonstrate aggressive behaviour, but researchers could potentially ‘control’ aggressive behaviour through drug therapy
- it means we cannot only predict who is
- This could have positive economical implications as such treatment could possibly reduce the levels of violent crimes + institutional aggression
11
Q
AO3 of serotonin hypothesis:
A
- supporting evidence
- causation issue with evidence
- Animal studies issue
- effective treatment (practical application)
- practical advice (+economic) = extra 1
12
Q
- causation issue with evidence
A
- Ferrari et al.’s research raises the question of whether lower levels of serotonin cause aggression or whether they are a response to aggression being carried out
- The issue of cause + effect is a key factor in the
explanation of aggressive behaviour - The aim of any science is to establish the cause by measuring the effect.
- However, we cannot confidently conclude that the low serptonin levels are what cause the aggressive behaviour as it could have been a biologcal change in the body in response to aggression = substantially lowers the validity of the explanation as to the causes of aggression
- Nevertheless, this research does demonstrate
the complexity of the role of serotonin in aggressive behaviour
13
Q
- Animal studies issues
A
- issues with extrapolating findings from monkeys to humans = they’re adapted differently = different behaviours and aggression is different to humans
- check workbook page 5
14
Q
- practical advice (+economic)
A
- Research into the link between serotonin + aggression could lead to practical advice to individuals who are displaying aggressive behaviour
- They could be advised to increase their intake / food which naturally increases serotonin levels (banana’s, oats, walnuts)
- This advice could help improve the quality of their lives + have both a direct/ indirect effect on
the economy, including the reduction in violent crimes + better social relationships with others
15
Q
- Practical application = effective treatment
A
- The serotonin hypothesis for aggression has a
practical application, - Investigation into this association has led to the development of effective drug therapy, paroxetine, which reduces aggressive behaviour, by increasing serotonin activity
- This validates + makes the serotonin hypothesis a plausible explanation for aggressive behaviour
- Paroxetine can be used to control/ reduce aggression in violent individuals/ inmate
16
Q
Hormonal mechanism (hypothesis) + aggression
A
- Observations of non-human + human species have demonstrated that aggression is more evident in males than in females
- Animal studies have led to the explanation that male hormones (testosterone) are implicated in aggression = High testosterone linked to aggression
Allan Mazur (1985) formulated the biosocial model of status (BMoS) to explain the link between testosterone + aggression in humans
- Testosterone levels change rapidly during the day especially in response to social interactions
related to status / competition
17
Q
AO3 of hormonal mechanism:
A
- Supporting evidence
- Causation problem
- Beta gender bias
- Limitation of animal study
18
Q
- Supporting evidence
A
- Supporting evidence for the association between testosterone + aggressive behaviour by
- Nelson found that there was a positive correlation between the level of testosterone +
aggressive behaviour in female + male prisoners - Wagner et al found that if:
- a male mouse is castrated = overall levels of
aggression tend to reduce - the castrated mouse receives testosterone =
aggression levels increase - Validate + credibility to + increase our confidence in the testosterone hypothesis for aggression
- Gives us a greater insight into the biological
mechanism which influence aggressive behaviour + can be used to predict + possibly control via drug therapy which reduces testosterone levels, violent behaviour/ crimes.
19
Q
- Causation problem
A
- Nelson only found an association between testosterone + aggression
- causation has not been established = difficult to conclude whether high testosterone are linked to aggressive behavior / whether aggressive behavior increases testosterone levels
- Therefore the findings from this study are limited as other factors, including environmental influences + other hormones could influence aggressive behaviour
= questions the validity of Nelson’s findings + may mean a more rigorous + scientific investigation is needed to fully understand the role of testosterone and aggression
20
Q
- Beta gender bias
A
Nelson’s investigation was beta gender biased.
- Nelson investigated the testosterone levels of male + female prisoners, ignoring the fact that males naturally have higher levels of testosterone than females
- He exaggerated the similarities between male + female hormone levels + ignored their biologically differences, a factor which could influence aggressive behaviour
- Therefore the findings of the study are limited as it is difficult to conclusively claim that testosterone is solely responsible for
aggression as females naturally have lower levels of testosterone then males, but can still be as or even more aggressive than males
21
Q
- Limitation of animal study
A
- Wagner et al’s use of mice is limited + a poor predictor of human aggressive behaviour
- Although some believe that the similarities in terms of physiology + evolutionary past justify generalising his findings to humans some do not agree
- Throughout evolution each species has adapted their own unique behaviours to ensure reproductive success + survival, some of which has been displayed as aggressive behaviour.
- Therefore aggression in mice is not necessarily the same as aggressive behaviour in humans = findings cannot be extrapolated to humans
22
Q
- Biologically Reductionist
A
- Both the neural + hormonal explanation for
aggression are biologically reductionists - They have simplified the complex behaviour,
aggression, to neural/ hormonal activity - Whilst this allows for an in-depth analysis of the exact biological mechanism which influence aggression, it is a limited level of explanation as it ignores other factors, including environmental, cultural + social influences
23
Q
Biological explanation of aggression
The genetic hypothesis
A
- Genes / DNA codes for physical + psychological features (mental disorder / intelligence)
- Aggression due to genetically ingerited genes which increase aggression
24
Q
Twin studies
A
McGuffin + Gottesmann:
- Found a concordance rate of 87% for aggression + anti -social behaviour for MZ twins compared with 72% for DZ twins
Coccaro et al:
- studied men twins for physical aggression
- MZ twins = 100% genetically similarity
- DZ twins = 50%
= expect higher similarity in aggression in MZ twins if it was caused by genetic fact - MZ twins = concordance rate 50%
- DZ twins = concordance rate 19%
25
Q
Adoption studies
A
Hutchings + Madnick
- Reviewed over 14,000 adoptions in Denmark
- They found a significant positive correlation between number of criminal convictions for criminal violence amongst biological fathers + the adopted son
26
Q
MAOA gene
A
- MAOA controls production of enzyme MAO-A (monoamine oxidase)
- MAO-A (enzyme) regulates serotonin = affects aggression
- A dysfunction of the MAOA enzyme affects levels of serotonin in the brain
- Low MAOA activity has been associated with aggressive behaviour
27
Q
MAOA gene mostly found in ?
A
- MAOA ‘warrior’ gene Predominantly found in men
= The MAOA gene may explain gender differences in aggressive behaviour - More frequent in populations with a history of warfare
- 1/3 of Western population have this low activity version of the gene
28
Q
newman ?
A
Newman:
- studied 45 unrelated male monkeys raised with / without mothers
- concluded that aggressiveness is influenced by MAOA activity
- but might be changed by the environment the monkeys are brought up in
29
Q
Supporting evidence?
for link between aggression and MAOA-L
A
Brunner et al:
- studied 28 male members from Dutch family who were repeatedly involved in Violent aggressive behaviour
- violent criminals - rape, physical assault, attempted murder
- They had abnormally low levels of gene MAOA and the MAOA-L variant
30
Q
Evaluation AO3 of genetic hypothesis:
A
- Supporting evidence + practical application of it
- Biologically reductionist
- Methodological issues with studies
31
Q
- Supporting evidence + practical application of it
A
- Supporting evidence for the link between the dysfunction of the MAOA gene + aggressive behaviour: Brunner et al found 28 male members of Dutch family who were violent criminals had abnormally low levels of gene MAOA + the MAOA-L variant
- Adds credibility to the genetic hypothesis for aggressive
behaviour + increases our confidence in the claim that aggression is influence by biological factors - = means we can predict who is more likely to show aggressive behaviour + researchers could potentially ‘control’ aggressive behaviour through drug therapy or Genetic engineering to cut out genes responsible for aggressive behavior
- This could have positive practical implications as such treatment could possibly reduce the levels of violent crimes + institutional aggression
- All from same family = difficult to generalise it to the wider population + families with different environmental influences
32
Q
- Biologically reductionist
- interactionist approach needed instead
A
- Reduces behaviour to a biological level only, in terms of genes and enzymes
- Whilst this is scientific + leads to more precise reliable research which give psychology greater credibility as a science, it oversimplifies aggressive behaviour+ ignores other factors
- A biologically reductionist explanation for aggression does not include an analysis of the social context + ignores the nurture elements which could provoke and cause this aggression to be displayed
= Therefore for a better understanding into aggressive
behaviour, further research into the gene-environment interaction needs to be conducted as it is often difficult to separate genetic + environmental factors
- A interactionist approach would be more credible
33
Q
- Methodological issues with studies
A
- Studies involve meta analysis, twin studies etc
- Twin often share same environment
- However, DZ twins maybe not to the same extent as MZ twins share theirs
- Yet researchers are assuming that they do = equal environments assumption = may be wrong as twins may be treated in different ways by others (environment)
- MZ twins treated very similarly esp by parents (eg response to aggressive behaviour)
- DZ twins treated in less similar ways
- = concordance rates are inflated + genetic influence on aggression may not be as great as twins studies suggest
34
Q
Ethological explanation for aggression
A
Ethologist claim that aggression is:
- An instinct
- Adaptive – beneficial to that species
- Innate
- Genetically determined
35
Q
Lorenz
- Adaptive function of aggression
A
- Imprinting is innate
- In critical period
- Lorenz believed aggression is innate adaptive response evolved in humans + animals needed to help them survive
- See predators + To get resources
36
Q
Supporting evidence for adaptive function
A
Pettit et al:
- Aggression in humans is an adaptive response
- Observed young children in playgroups
= Aggression played important role in dominance over others
= is adaptive as dominance brings power to get your own way + resources
37
Q
Ritualistic aggression
(ethological explanation)
Inter v Intra species violence?
A
Ritual - Series of behaviours carried out in a set order
- Intra-species violence - aggression aimed at members of the same species
- mainly ritualistic in the form of threat display
(Displaying claws, Showing teeth , Facial expressions) - Intra- species violence which leads to death = is maladaptive (wolves = powerful jaws + teeth= effective hunters - Instinctive inhibitions not to hurt one another whilst fighting ) + accidental
- Ritual appeasement displays ( acceptance of defeat ) = will end the intra-species violence = stop
- Inter-species violence - aggression aimed at other species
38
Q
Supporting evidence for Ritualistic Aggression
A
Chagnon
- Among the Yanomamo people of South America, chest pounding + club fighting contests can settle a conflict short of more extreme violence
Hoebel
- Inuit Eskimos, song duels are used to settle grudges + dispute
= supporting evidence for ritualistic aggressive behaviour in humans
= However it is important to note that this is not universal in humans / all cultures
39
Q
Innate releasing mechanism + Fixed Action Patterns (FAP)
A
FAP:
- set sequence of innate behaviours
- All members of the same species have a collection of stereotyped behaviours which occur in specific conditions + don’t require learning
- sequence of actions that cannot be interrupted + must be completed even if the stimulus is no longer present
Innate releasing mechanisms:
- a neural network in the brain that responds to a specific stimulus by triggering a particular response = (FAP)
40
Q
Lea analysed FAPs + found them to have 6 main features:
A
- Stereotyped – behavior follows a certain pattern each time
- Universal - all the animals in that species use the same type of threat
- Innate/unaffected by learning - all the animals in that species seem to be born with it + don’t have to learn it
- Ballistic- Once it starts it cannot simply be stopped
- Specific triggers/ single - purpose seem to set it off
- A response to a specific identifiable stimulus (communication between members of same species)
41
Q
Evaluation AO3 of ethological explanation of aggression
A
- Supporting evidences
- Extrapolation issues
- Opposing evidence
- Reductionist
42
Q
- Supporting evidences
A
- Supporting evidence showing that aggression in humans is an adaptive response
- Pettit et al
- Observed young children in playgroups
= Aggression played important role in dominance over others - Adaptive = the dominance brings power to get your own way + resources
= Validates the ethological explanation for aggression as it provides evidence that its adaptive, making it more credible + valid.
= Furthers our understanding on why humans display aggressive behaviour
43
Q
- Extrapolation issues
A
- Lorenz did not study higher mammals = makes it difficult to extrapolate his findings to humans
- A problem with applying ethological research to the behaviour of humans is that it may not be appropriate to generalise the behaviour of animals to humans, as humans are way more complex = aggression will be different between the 2 species
- Human aggression is often not at all ritualised + violent acts are committed for no good reason at all
- It appears that here is a major behavioural difference between humans + the rest of the animal kingdom + Lorenz’s ethological cannot hope to give us a full picture of why this is
- Tinbergen said - humans only species where aggression is not part of an elaborate system of ritual, but instead a desire to harm one another
= Lowers validity of ethological explanation as its mostly based of animals behaviour, and there are issues with extrapolating these findings to humans = less credible
44
Q
- Opposing evidence
A
- Evidence against ritualistic aggression + this explanation has been challenged by Goodall
- Goodall observed male chimps from 1 community killed all members of another group, and the violence continued even though victims displayed appeasement signals + accepted defeat
- These signals did not stop the aggressive behaviour as predicted by the ethological explanation
= Challenges the ethological view that same species (intra) aggression has evolved into self-limiting + harmless rituals
45
Q
- Reductionist
A
- Ethological explanation is reductionistic, as aggression is explained at a biological level
- scientific + leads to more precise reliable research which give psychology greater credibility as a science, it oversimplifies aggressive behaviour+ ignores other factors
- Doesn’t account for the role of cognition (the thought process) emotions or culture = unlikely to reflect the complex processes associated with aggression in humans accurately
- Evidence shows that there are cultural differences in aggression
= demonstrates that aggression can be influenced by socio-cultural factors rather than being an utterly innate instinct, and the ethological explanation does not take this into consideration
= lowers credibility of this explanation = incomplete
46
Q
Evolutionary explanation of aggression
- Sexual jealousy as an adaptive response
Cuckoldry?
A
- Sexual jealousy is a key motivator of aggressive behaviour in males
- Men can never be totally sure whether or not they have fathered their biological child- paternity uncertainty
Cuckoldry: Raising an offspring that are not his own
- Investment in another mans offspring is a waste of resources
= Psychological mechanisms have evolved to increase anti-cuckoldry behaviours in males involve aggression
47
Q
Mate - retention strategies ? (2)
[ Wilson + Daly ]
A
- = adaptation evolved in males as a way of dealing with paternal uncertainty involving aggression
- Direct guarding
- Male careful watchfulness over partners behaviour
- EG checking who they’ve been seeing, tracking devices - Negative inducing
- Issuing threats of dire consequences for infidelity
- “I’ll kill myself if you leave me”
48
Q
Supporting evidence
A
Wilson et al:
- Questionnaire = women who indicated that their partners were jealous + didn’t like them talking to other men (Mate-retention strategies) were 2X as likely to have experienced violence from their partners (72% - needing medical attention)
= Supports view that mate-retention strategies linked to physical violence + aggression
= indicates a clear link between the greater risk of infidelity + cuckoldry and aggression.
= supports + adds credibility to the evolutionary explanation concerning the adaptive value of aggression
