Aggression 2 Flashcards
Intro (genetic)
The role of genetic factors in aggression can be tested in twin studies. Genes are identical in sets of monozygotic twins but are different between sets of dizygotic twins, meaning that if monozygotic twins are more alike in terms of aggression than dizygotic twins are, this similarity can be attributed to genetics. These twin studies have generally found that almost 50% of variance in aggressive behaviour can be attributed to genetic factors.
1st paragraph (genetic)
One gene which has been linked to aggression is the gene coding for the production of monoamine oxidise A (MAOA). MAOA regulates the metabolism of serotonin in the brain, and low levels of serotonin are associated with aggressive behaviour. Thus, low levels of MAOA are also associated with aggression. Studies of violent criminals have found that they often have a defect in the gene that produces MAOA.
2nd paragraph (genetic)
This explanation has also been criticised for being too reductionist. As well as genetic factors, there are many environmental factors that influence the manifestation of aggressive behaviour. Genetic factors can also influence environmental factors and vice versa in gene-environment interactions. This explanation only focuses on genes, though genes and the environment are intrinsically related: one cannot be fully explained without the other.
3rd paragraph (genetic)
Most of the studies mentioned have measured aggression using self-report techniques or observational studies. However, studies using self-report techniques found a greater genetic influence on aggression, while studies using observation found a greater environmental influence. This suggests problems with the methodology of many studies: if these studies were valid, one would expect no differences between the results of self-report studies and those of observational studies.
4th paragraph (genetic)
MAOA is thought to increase aggressive behaviour by affecting levels of neurotransmitters. Research support for this comes from Cases et al., who disabled the MAOA gene in mice. They found that in these mice, levels of serotonin and dopamine (both of which are associated with higher levels of aggression) increased and aggression increased. This suggests that MAOA reduces aggression by regulating levels of these neurotransmitters.
5th paragraph (genetic)
This research has an important real-world application. There have been suggestions that if people’s genes predispose them towards aggressive behaviour, genetic engineering should be used to change their genes and reduce this risk. Some have even suggested more extreme measures to prevent the heritability of such genes, for example by chemical castration. However the labelling of an individual as dangerous based on their genetic inheritance poses serious ethical questions
6th paragraph (genetic)
Explanations that are purely genetic have been criticised for being too deterministic. They argue that our aggression is pre-programmed, while ignoring the human characteristic of free will. If aggression is purely biologically determined, people cannot be held responsible for their actions; this may have further implications for the legal system when dealing with acts of aggression.
Intro (groups)
The evolutionary explanation of aggression believes that humans display aggression in groups for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is to gain access to resources such as land, women and money. The acquisition of these resources is important for the survival of a group and to ensure the continued existence of future generations.
1st paragraph (groups)
Displays of aggression may occur due to xenophobia - the threat of the unknown. Xenophobia is often present in sports events, with racist chants and signals often exhibited in the crowds of football matches. Many psychologists believe that natural selection has favoured the genes which cause humans to be altruistic towards members of their own group but intolerant towards outsiders. This may be because it would have prompted our ancestors to be suspicious towards strangers, helping them to avoid attack.
2nd paragraph (groups)
Foldesi has provided evidence to support the link between xenophobia and violent displays among Hungarian football crowds. He found that the racist conduct of a core of extremist supporters led to an increase in spectators’ violence in general.
There are real-world applications of research into the link between sports and xenophobia. Many football teams have taken step to minimise xenophobia within sports. Some football teams have also made contributions to local ethnic communities and have donated to anti-racism charities.
3rd paragraph (groups)
Warfare is another aggressive display that may be explained in terms of evolution. In societies that experience frequent warfare, males are more likely than females to escape infanticide due to their potential usefulness in battle. As a result, there are more women than there are men. Men must compete with each other for mates, and those who do well in battle gain access to female mate. This because displays of aggressiveness and bravery are attractive to females.
4th paragraph (groups)
Another evolutionary explanation for warfare is that it promotes group solidarity. The costliness ofpermanent displays such as scars and mutilation serve as signals of commitment to the group. These permanent displays also minimise the ability of males to defect to another group, again increasing their commitment to the group of which they are a member.
5th paragraph (groups)
The evolutionary explanation can be criticised as it fails to take into account other factors which may be a cause of the group displays of aggression. Social psychological influences would help to explain how and why group aggression occurs through a psychological rather than evolutionary manner.
6th paragraph (groups)
The evolutionary explanation can also be criticised for being a post-hoc explanation making it difficult to test. This is because we cannot be sure that we have evolved to display aggressive behaviours in order to gain resources and as it is impossible to travel back in time and scientifically test this explanation we will never be able to completely verify its accuracy.
Intro (evolutionary)
Aggression in men has an adaptive value. Men are more likely to experience sexual jealousy because of their fear of cuckoldry. Because men are more prone to parental uncertainty, they risk unwittingly investing resources in children who aren’t their own. Sexual jealousy and the aggression which it can cause, therefore, evolved to deter females from sexual infidelity and hence minimise the risk of cuckoldry.
