Aggression: AO1 Flashcards
Outline the Neural and Hormonal theory
- the limbic system
-the amygdala is involved in how humans assess threats. (Over activity leads to a lack of control) - evidence from fMRI scans show damage to the pre-frontal cortex leads to a lack of control over the limbic system
Outline the Social Psycholohical explanation
- Frustration Aggression Hypothesis
Based on the psychodynamic role of a catharsis in aggro - Indirect Expression
A catharsis is used to displace aggression towards something else - Environmental Cues
Berkowitz Suggests frustration doesn’t make us aggressive but primes us for aggression
Outline the Ethnological explanation
(Animals)
- Aggression is an adaptive response and beneficial for survival
- Ritualistic aggression
Carrying out behaviours in set orders orders e.g Growling b4 a fight
IRMs - built in processes when prompted by an environmental stimuli. Once triggered a sequence of behaviours happen know as FAPs
FAPs - an inevitable response to a threat which is universal and stereotypical
Outline the genetic explanation of aggression
Twin Studies
Coccaro - found male ps with history of physical assault 50% 4 MZ and 19% 4 DZ
Adoption Studies
Rutter et al found - adoptee ps aggression history is similar to that of parents
MAOA gene
- Is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin and dopamine
- some develop a low functioning gene called MAOA-L which causes high levels of aggro
Outline the evolutionary explanation of human aggression
- Sexual competition : the need to compete with others for mates
- Sexual jealousy ; male aggression can occur from jealousy
(Direct guarding and Neg inducements)
Outline institutional aggression
- dispositional explanation - them
- situational explanation - environmental
Importation model - Irwin:
Criminals import aggressive behaviours into prisons
The deprivation model:
Clemmer, Criminals are influenced by the environment
