Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Question 1

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Aim

Answer 1

To investigate the role of testosterone in aggression of alpha male rats.

Question 2

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Procedure

Answer 2

• Rats were kept in small colonies (example 2 males, one female) as families and signal male rats were introduced as intruders in order for aggressive behaviour of the “family rats” to be recorded (“family rats” who did not react aggressively were removed and replaced)
• Once “alpha male” was established in the family, a surgery was performed (three options: castration and insertion of testosterone tubes, castration and insertion of empty tubes, sham castration and insertion of empty tubes)
• Intruder rats was introduced again after surgery and behaviour was recorded again
• A second surgery was completed and castrated rats with empty tubes had tubes with testosterone inserted, those testosterone inserted, those with testosterone had them emptied

Question 3

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Findings

Answer 3

• Significant decrease in attacks was found in those rats who had been castrated without a testosterone replacement
• Aggression was “reinstated” when the testosterone replacement occurred but unclear if it returned to the original levels
• Castrated rats also lost their status as the alpha male in the family
• Supports hypothesis that testosterone causes aggression on alpha male rats an plays a role in social dominance

Question 4

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Internal validity: Sham surgery and insertion of tubes were used as controls

Question 5

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Sampling bias: Only alpha rats were studied, unclear if this would also happen in less aggressive or socially dominant rats
• Lack of generalisation: Cannot apply this finding directly to humans

Question 6

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• Guidelines for animal research differ
• If conducted today, researchers would need to justify the scientific purpose of their research
• After the research, if the animals could no longer be used for another experiment, they would need to be euthanized quickly

Question 7

Albert Et Al Study - HL (bio)

Research Method

Answer 7

Experiment