Aggression (paper 3)

Question 1

State frustration-aggression hypothesis.

Answer 1

Frustration always leads to aggression
Aggression is always the result of aggression
Aggression is experiences when attempts to reach a goal are blocked
Aggression is cathartic (drive satisfied)

Question 2

Why is aggression displaced?

Answer 2

If the cause is abstract
Too powerful
Unavailable at the time
Aggression is therefore deflected to a weaker, not abstract, available alternative.

Question 3

Describe the weapon effect

Answer 3

Frustration only creates a readiness for aggression
Presence of aggressive cues makes acting on this likely

Question 4

Give evidence for the weapon effect theory

Answer 4

Lab study
Real electric shocks given by confederate to ppts
Ppts give fake shocks to confederate
Conditions: 2 guns on table/ no guns
2 guns= greater number of shocks

Question 5

Give research on frustration aggression model

Answer 5

Geen
Jigsaw puzzle
3 conditions:
- impossible to solve
- confederate interferes
- confederate insults
Ppts give electric shocks to confederate
Insulted= highest shocks compared to control

Question 6

How is the limbic system defined?

Answer 6

Hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus

Question 7

What part of the limbic system affects aggression?

Answer 7

Higher reactivity of amygdala = increased aggression (perceiving more aggressive threats)

Question 8

Study to support amygdala activity

Answer 8

Gospic
Mild provocation= fast and heightened response by amygdala (fMRI)
Benzodiazepine (reduced arousal of ANS) taken before provocation = decreased activity of amygdala and halved number of aggressions

Question 9

How does serotonin affect the brain?

Answer 9

Inhibitory effects
Slows down neuronal activity
Normal levels in orbitofrontal cortex = reduced firing of neurones = better behavioural self-control
Decreased levels= reduced self-control - increase in impulsive behaviour (aggression)

Question 10

Give a limitation of the limbic explanation

Answer 10

Non-limbic brain structures also involved
OFC - involved in impulse regulation and inhibition of aggressive behaviour
OFC activity reduced in disorders featuring aggression
More complex than theories suggest

Question 11

Give one strength of the serotonin explanation

Answer 11

Drugs increasing serotonin=reduced levels on aggressive behaviour
Berman
Placebo vs paraxetine
Lab-based game - giving and receiving shocks
Paraxetine=fewer and less intense shocks