biological Flashcards
1
Q
brain explanation
A
- amygdala regulates emotions so if overactive, more aggressive
- PFC for impulse control, decision making, emotion regulation so if damaged or underdeveloped, poor impulse control so more aggressive
- midbrain connects limbic system together so if not connected properly then won’t behave properly
- hypothalamus for homeostasis (water, appetite, hormones) so if not regulated then poor hormone control and balance
2
Q
hormone explanation
A
- testosterone shortens refractory period of amygdala which increases activity so more aggressive -> lowers activation threshold
- cortisol mediates testosterone and is released when stressed to decrease levels so makes you less aggressive
adrenaline - fight or flight so high levels increase aggression as body is preparing for ‘fight’ to attack the ‘threat’
serotonin - regulates response to external stimuli so if imbalanced may respond inappropriately so more aggressive
3
Q
evolution
A
- aggression evolved because it benefits survival + we want to pass on our genes/alleles
- protection of territory + resources as children more likely to survive and pass on genes
- deter infidelity to ensure the offspring being invested in is benefitting your genes
- to attract a female / gain status and dominance as female will choose this male to have offspring with
4
Q
psychodynamic (bio approach NOT theory)
A
- Id is pleasure principle which acts on impulse which makes you more aggressive if it doesn’t get what it wants
- ego is rationality / logical principle which uses both the id and superego for balance
- superego is morality principle and is fully developed by the time you’re 5 and is learned from parents
- catharsis relieves aggression by displacing it (e.g. punching a pillow)
5
Q
synaptic transmission
A
release -> drift -> bind
- NTs carried down neuron in vesicles and released into synaptic gap
- drift across synapse to next neuron
- binds to receptor on next neuron (lock and key) until another action potential is triggered
- (any NTs that don’t bind a receptor are taken back by the first neuron and reuptook) - only for 3+ mark Q
6
Q
CNS
A
- made up of brain and spinal cord
- body sends signals up spinal cord to brain
- where it’s processed and sent back down for a behaviour / reflex - (e.g. moving hand away from hot stove)
