BIOLOGICAL brain functioning as an explanation of aggression

Question 1

what is the cortical area made up of

Answer 1

prefrontal cortex and the corpus collosum

Question 2

what is the function of the prefrontal cortex

Answer 2

• regulates emotions, making decisions
• right hemisphere = negative emotions

Question 3

how is the prefrontal cortex correlted to aggression

Answer 3

low activity in the prefrontal = higher levels of aggression

Question 4

what is the function of the corpus collosum

Answer 4

regulates and controls behaviours and helps to understand long-term implications

Question 5

how is the corpus collosum correlated to aggression

Answer 5

low activity = higher levels of aggression

Question 6

what is the subcortical area made up of

Answer 6

amygdala and hypothalamus

Question 7

what is the funtion of the amygdala

Answer 7

identifies threat (fight or flight) and helps self-preservation

Question 8

how is the amygdala correlated to aggression

Answer 8

smaller the amygdala = hgiher level of aggression

Question 9

what is the function of the hypothalamus

Answer 9

regulates behaviours e.g. paiin, anger

Question 10

how is the hypothalaum correlated with aggression

Answer 10

less activity = higher levels of aggression - due to not functioning properly

Question 11

positives of the theory

Answer 11

• supporting evidence of Swanje - found negative correlation between volume of amydgala and aggression (MRIs)
• supporting evidence Raine - PET scans to compare brains of NGRIs - lower levels in areas
• useful application - brain functioning as a defence for NGRIs - Donta Page

Question 12

negatives of the theory

Answer 12

• alternative explanation SLT - argues we observe role models and imitate behaviour (nurture)
• lacks credibility - unclear whether size of amygdala been same since birth or behaviour effects the volume - direction of effects unclear
• reductionist - isolates brain functioning - ignores other factors e.g. hormones or genes