Agreesion Flashcards
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What role does the limbic system play in aggression?
The limbic system (including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and cingulate gyrus) helps assess threats in the environment. Overactivity in the amygdala is linked to impulsive aggression.
How does serotonin affect aggressive behavior in research and in neural and hormonal mechanisms?
Low serotonin levels reduce self-control, increasing impulsive aggression. Research shows violent offenders with low serotonin struggle with impulse control and sleep issues in research
neural and hormonal though states it has calming affect on brain and increases self control so idfk
What is the relationship between testosterone and aggression?
Testosterone influences aggression by affecting brain activity. Higher testosterone is linked to increased aggression in both animals and humans, while castration studies show reduced aggression.
What research supports the amygdala’s role in aggression?
Gospic et al. (2011) used fMRI scans in a lab-based provocation game. Heightened amygdala activity was associated with aggressive reactions, reduced when benzodiazepines were used.
How does serotonin-increasing medication affect aggression?
Berman et al. (2009) found that participants given paroxetine (a serotonin-enhancing drug) gave fewer electric shocks in a provocation game, suggesting increased serotonin reduces aggression.
How does the prefrontal cortex influence aggression?
The prefrontal cortex regulates emotions and controls impulsive behavior. Damage or underactivity in this area reduces control over aggression, leading to sudden and intense reactions.
What are the two types of aggression linked to serotonin levels?
Impulsive aggression (hot-tempered, sudden) is linked to low serotonin, while non-impulsive aggression (cold, calculated) is less affected by serotonin levels.
Why are males generally more aggressive than females?
Higher testosterone levels in males contribute to increased aggression. Studies show that fluctuating testosterone, such as during puberty, correlates with aggression levels.
What research supports the link between testosterone and aggression?
Animal studies show that castrating males reduces aggression, while injecting testosterone increases it. Similar patterns have been observed in humans.
How can understanding neural and hormonal mechanisms help manage aggression?
Medications that regulate serotonin (e.g., SSRIs) can reduce aggression, and therapies targeting impulse control help manage aggressive tendencies.
what does the limbic system do? (neural and hormonal)
The limbic system regulates emotions, including aggression.
Key structures: amygdala, hypothalamus, and cingulate gyrus.
The amygdala is responsible for processing threats and triggering aggressive responses.
Overactive amygdala → leads to higher aggression.
Supporting Research on the Amygdala (neural and hormonal)
Gospic et al. (2011):
Used fMRI scans during a provocation-based game.
Found heightened amygdala activity in aggressive reactions.
Participants given benzodiazepines (which reduce arousal) showed lower aggression and amygdala activity.
Limiting Research on the Amygdala neural and hormonal)
Coccaro et al. (2007):
Found reduced orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) activity in aggressive individuals.
Suggests that aggression is not solely due to the amygdala, but also involves higher brain areas responsible for self-control.
The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex (neural and hormonal)
The prefrontal cortex regulates impulse control and decision-making.
Low prefrontal cortex activity → increases aggressive behavior.
Violent offenders often show reduced prefrontal activity, suggesting poor emotional regulation.
The Role of Serotonin in Aggression (neural and hormonal)
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an inhibitory effect on aggression.
Low serotonin levels → linked to poor impulse control and increased aggression.
The orbitofrontal cortex is particularly affected by serotonin levels.
Supporting Research on Serotonin
Berman et al. (2009):
Participants given paroxetine (a serotonin-enhancing drug) showed lower aggression in response to provocation.
Those given a placebo were more aggressive, supporting the serotonin-deficiency hypothesis.
Biological Evidence for Serotonin-Aggression Link
Virkkunen et al. (1994):
Found low serotonin metabolite levels in violent impulsive offenders.
These offenders also had more difficulty sleeping, suggesting a hyperactive nervous system.
Challenges to the Serotonin-Aggression Link
Some animal studies show that serotonin depletion does not always increase aggression.
Personality and environmental factors may influence serotonin’s effect.
Serotonin-Based Treatments for Aggression
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine, are used to reduce aggressive outbursts in individuals with impulse control disorders.
Interaction of Serotonin and the Limbic System
Serotonin modulates activity in the amygdala, preventing overreactive responses to threats.
Low serotonin → hyperactive amygdala → higher aggression.
Role of Testosterone in Aggression
Testosterone is a male sex hormone linked to aggression and dominance behaviors.
Higher testosterone levels are correlated with increased aggression in both animals and humans.
Supporting Research on Testosterone in humans
Dabbs et al. (1995):
Measured testosterone levels in prison inmates.
Inmates with higher testosterone were more likely to have committed violent crimes.
Alternative Explanation: Dual-Hormone Hypothesis
Carre & Mehta (2011):
Testosterone’s effect on aggression depends on cortisol levels.
High testosterone only leads to aggression when cortisol is low.
Suggests hormonal interactions, rather than testosterone alone, determine aggression.
Animal Studies on Testosterone
Castration studies show that removing testosterone reduces aggression.
Reintroducing testosterone restores aggressive behavior, supporting its role.
Ethical Issues in Testosterone Research
Some experiments involve hormone manipulation in animals, raising ethical concerns.
Generalizability from animal studies to humans is limited.
Strengths of Neural and Hormonal Explanations
✅ Scientific credibility – based on brain scans and hormonal tests.
✅ Practical applications – SSRIs and hormone therapy for aggression management.
✅ Cross-species consistency – similar findings in humans and animals.
Limitations of Neural and Hormonal Explanations
❌ Reductionism – ignores social and environmental factors.
❌ Determinism – suggests aggression is biologically inevitable, ignoring free will.
❌ Gender bias – most studies focus on male aggression, less research on female aggression.
Key Principles of Social Learning Theory (SLT)
Developed by Albert Bandura.
Suggests aggression is learned through observation and imitation.
Direct learning: Aggressive behavior reinforced through operant conditioning (rewards/punishments).
Indirect learning: Learning through observing models (e.g., parents, peers, media).
Four key processes:
Attention – Individual must focus on the aggressive act.
Retention – Aggressive behavior must be remembered.
Reproduction – The individual must have the ability to perform the act.
Motivation – They must expect a reward rather than punishment for aggression.
Supporting Research for SLT: Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study (1961)
Aim: Investigated whether children imitate aggression after observing an aggressive model.
Procedure:
Children watched an adult model behave aggressively towards a Bobo doll (hitting, kicking, verbal aggression).
Some children saw the model being rewarded, others saw the model punished, and a control group saw no consequences.
Later, children were given a Bobo doll to play with.
Findings:
Children who saw rewarded aggression were more likely to imitate it.
Those who saw punished aggression were less likely to imitate.
Boys were more aggressive than girls, but both imitated aggressive models.
Conclusion:
Supports SLT: Aggression can be learned through observation and imitation.
Reinforcement plays a role: Consequences influence whether aggression is repeated.
Limiting Research for SLT: Challenges to Imitation Theory
Biological factors:
Raine et al. (1997) found that brain activity differences (e.g., lower prefrontal cortex activity in violent criminals) suggest biological influences on aggression.
Lab experiment limitations:
Bandura’s study lacks ecological validity (Bobo doll does not fight back).
Real-world aggression may involve more consequences and social influences.
Long-term effects?
SLT focuses on immediate aggression, but long-term aggression may be influenced by personality, environment, and biology.
How Media Influences Aggression
Cognitive priming
Exposure to violent media activates aggressive thoughts and memories.
Frequent exposure leads to automatic aggressive responses.
How Media Influences Aggression
Desensitization
Repeated exposure to violence makes individuals less sensitive to aggression.
Decreased physiological arousal (e.g., lower heart rate when viewing real violence).
How Media Influences Aggression
Disinhibition
Media violence reduces social restraints against aggression.
Aggressive behavior becomes normalized.
Supporting Research for Media Influence
Bushman & Anderson (2002):
Participants who played violent video games had more aggressive thoughts than those who played non-violent games.
Suggests cognitive priming increases aggression.
Desensitization evidence (Carnagey et al., 2007):
Participants who played violent video games had lower physiological arousal (heart rate, skin response) when watching real violence.
Suggests reduced emotional response to real aggression.
Limiting Research for Media Influence on Aggression
Correlational vs. Causation:
Studies show an association between media violence and aggression, but causality is unclear.
Third variables (e.g., family background, personality) could explain aggression.
Individual differences:
Not everyone exposed to media violence becomes aggressive.
Personality traits (e.g., low empathy, high impulsivity) may influence susceptibility.
Cultural differences:
In some societies, exposure to media violence does not lead to increased aggression.
Do Violent Video Games Cause Aggression?
Anderson et al. (2010) meta-analysis:
Found a small but significant link between violent video games and aggression.
Effects were stronger in Western cultures.
Criticism:
Many studies lack real-world validity.
Aggression in video games is not the same as real aggression.
Experimental vs. Longitudinal Studies on Video Game Aggression
Experimental studies (short-term effects):
Show immediate aggression after violent video game exposure.
Problem: Often artificial settings (e.g., giving noise blasts).
Longitudinal studies (long-term effects):
Robertson et al. (2013) found that high TV-violence exposure in childhood was linked to higher aggression in adulthood.
However: Longitudinal studies struggle to separate cause and effect.
Dispositional Explanations Institutional Aggression
Aggression is imported into institutions by individuals with violent backgrounds, personality traits, or gang affiliations.
Supporting evidence:
Delisi et al. (2011): Inmates with gang history showed higher aggression in prison.
Situational explanation (Deprivation Model) Institutional Aggression:
Prison environment (e.g., LAUGHS Liberty, AUtonomy, Goods and services, Heterosexual relations, Security) increases aggression.
Supporting evidence:
Steiner (2009): Found higher aggression in overcrowded prisons.
Zimbardo (1969) Deindividuation Theory:
Anonymity (e.g., wearing uniforms, helmets) reduces accountability, increasing aggression.
Supporting evidence:
Often occurs in groups or anonymous settings.
Milgram’s Shock Experiment: Participants who wore hoods were more likely to administer higher shocks.
Strengths of Research into Media & Institutional Aggression
✅ Real-world applications – Used in policy-making (e.g., age ratings for media).
✅ Scientific methods – Brain scans, experiments, and meta-analyses provide reliable data.
✅ Consistent findings – Studies across different methods show similar results.
Limitations of Research into Media & Institutional Aggression
❌ Reductionism – Overlooks social, cognitive, and biological influences.
❌ Determinism – Implies aggression is inevitable after media exposure.
❌ Ethical concerns – Studies expose participants to aggression, which could increase aggression in real life.
What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
Suggests that aggression is caused by frustration when a goal is blocked.
Developed by Dollard et al. (1939).
Aggression is a cathartic response to frustration.
How does the MAOA gene relate to aggression
Known as the “warrior gene.”
Low-activity MAOA-L variant is linked to increased aggression.
Especially relevant when combined with childhood maltreatment.
What is institutional aggression?
Aggression that occurs within institutions (e.g., prisons, military).
Can be explained by situational (deprivation model) and dispositional (importation model) factors.
What are the key features of the ethological explanation of aggression?
Argues aggression is innate and adaptive.
Konrad Lorenz (1966) suggested fixed action patterns (FAPs).
Ritualistic aggression prevents excessive harm in animals.
What is the evolutionary explanation of aggression?
Argues aggression has survival and reproductive benefits.
Male aggression linked to securing mates and resources.
Explains infanticide, male rivalry, and jealousy-driven violence.
What did Raine et al.’s (1997) study find about brain structures and aggression?
PET scans of murderers showed reduced prefrontal cortex activity.
Supports the idea that impaired regulation increases aggression.
Highlights biological basis of aggression.
What evidence supports the role of testosterone in aggression?
Dabbs et al. (1995) found high testosterone levels in violent criminals.
Animal studies show castration reduces aggression.
Suggests a hormonal influence.
What did Caspi et al. (2002) find about the MAOA gene?
tudied 1,000 New Zealand boys.
Found low-MAOA activity + childhood abuse = high aggression.
Highlights gene-environment interaction.
What does the deprivation model say about institutional aggression?
Situational factors (e.g., overcrowding, lack of freedom) cause aggression.
Supported by studies in prison environments.
Highlights the role of environmental stressors.
How does the importation model explain prison aggression?
Suggests inmates bring pre-existing aggressive traits into prisons.
Studies show gang members display more violence in prison.
Emphasizes dispositional factors.
What did Wilson & Daly’s research find about male aggression?
Males are more likely to engage in status-driven aggression.
Supports evolutionary explanations.
Explains male-on-male violence.
What is evidence against the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
Not all frustration leads to aggression.
Some people show withdrawal or problem-solving instead.
Suggests other factors influence aggression
Overly simplistic – ignores biological and cognitive factors.
Later modified to include cues for aggression (Berkowitz)..
What does the ethnographic evidence say about aggression?
Aggression levels vary across cultures.
Some societies (e.g., !Kung San) have low aggression.
Suggests environmental and cultural factors play a role
What are strengths of the social learning theory in explaining aggression?
Supported by Bandura’s research.
Explains cultural differences in aggression.
Acknowledges role of cognitive processes.
What are limitations of the social learning theory?
Ignores biological factors (e.g., genetics, hormones).
Lab studies (like Bandura’s) lack ecological validity.
Does not fully explain impulsive aggression.
What are criticisms of the evolutionary explanation of aggression?
Hard to test scientifically (retrospective nature).
Cannot explain cultural differences in aggression.
Does not account for individual variation.
How does real-world application support biological explanations of aggression?
Drugs increasing serotonin reduce aggression.
Testosterone blockers used for violent offenders.
Shows practical benefits of biological understanding.
