Banks and Dabbs Study (bio) Flashcards
1
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Aim
A
To investigate the correlation between testosterone and delinquent human behaviour
2
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Procedure
A
- Two groups were compared, approx 30 participants in each group
- Group 1: US College students
- Group 2: Delinquent group (characterised by drug use and violence) in Atlanta, Georgia
- Individuals were interviewed by a participant researcher, who was already known to the delinquent group (she herself had participants in delinquent behaviour in the past)
- Salivary testosterone was used to measure level of testosterone
3
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Findings
A
- Delinquent group had a significantly higher measure of salivary testosterone
- Measure of aggression (9-point aggression score) and measure of testosterone had no significant correlation
- Supports a positive correlation between testosterone levels and violence (does not imply causation)
4
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Strengths
A
- Low participant bias
- Researcher ws personally know to the delinquency group and participated in violence herself
- Unlikely that participants would have felt pressure to lie as they had a good rapport
5
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Limitations
A
- Internal validity - the lack of correlation between testosterone and aggression may have been due to the scale used to measure aggression
6
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Ethical Considerations
A
- Confidentiality
- As some members of the delinquent group were involved violence and/or illegal activity, it would be important to keep their names confidential
- Informed consent
- Important that all partici[pants know the aim of the study before joining as it included discussing sensitive issues
7
Q
Banks and Dabbs Study (bio)
Research Method
A
Correlation study or interview