AGGRESSION Flashcards
The amygdala and cerebral cortex
The amygdala, which is part of the limbic system, but also the cerebral cortex, works to mitigate the level of testosterone produced as a result of environmental triggers.
Evolutionary theory of aggression
- Aggression serves a purpose of fighting for scarce resources.
- To females, male aggression may be appealing as they appear strong and are able to protect offspring.
i.e. such animal behaviour is a way to show off to females and gain a mate to reproduce with and pass on their genes.
Why might a female not like aggression in males?
- It could be seen as a threat to the offspring.
- The attribute of sensitivity can be attractive to females as it could lead indicate a nurturing attitude to children
Sexual jealouslyz
Sexual jealously arises from paternal uncertainty- this refers to men not knowing for certain that they are the father of their children ubike women as fertilisation is hidden from men. As a result, mena re always at trisk of cuckold
What is the role of the limbic system?
The limbic system is involved in emotional responses + contributes to aggressive behaviour
What is the amygdala?
The amygdala works to migitate level of testosterone produced as result of environmental triggers.
- If amygdala is damaged, tumor occurs or atypical development = raise in levels of testosterone
Research on the limbic system: Raine et al (1997)
Raine et al (1997) found using PET scans that some the 41 murderers and 41 controls had abnormalities in the way limbic system functioned.
This suggests that the limbic system is involved in aggressive behaviour
Evaluation of the limbic system
- Research linking brain abnormalities to violence is only correlational. There are people who have limbic system abnormalities and DO NOT demonstrate violent behaviour so causation.
- The limbic system is made up of different parts but it is not clear which parts lead to aggression.
What is the role of serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates feelings of well-being and is associated with control of aggression.
- Low serotonin= less control over the emotional response= more aggression
Research on serotonin: Cherek et al (1996)
Cherek et al found that men who take drugs to increase their serotonin levels lowered had lower aggression, meaning there is a casual link between serotonin+ aggression levels
Research on serotonin: Huber et al
Huber et al found that crayfish with elevated level of serotonin fought for longer than crayfish without, suggesting that heightened levels of serotonin increases aggression in CRAYFISH.
- This refutes human studies where low serotonin = heightened aggression. Therefore relationship between serotonin and aggression is not clear cut.
Evaluation of serotonin
- Using biochemistry to explain aggression is deterministic. The individual does not have much control over their behaviour so if aggression is explained this way, it implies it cannot be controlled. Therefore, when it comes to the legal system, should they punish over something they cannot control?
Evaluation of serotonin: Crockett & Passamonti study
- Found that the reason people get aggressive when angry may be due to depleted levels of tryptophan- a dietary source of serotonin e.g. eggs and chickpeas
What is the role of testosterone?
- Testosterone is a male hormone that stimulates development of male secondary characteristics
- Increased levels are thought to be related to increased levels of aggression
What does aromatase do?
Aromatase is found in the limbic system and metabolises testosterone in the brain i.e. the amygdala.
Reduced levels= testosterone in brain will not have enough enzyme to activate
Evaluation of role of testosterone
- Most of the research is correlational. It is important to recognise that testosterone levels rather than cause aggression may be a response to it, so caution should be taken when describing role testosterone plays.
