Biological: Brain Structure Flashcards
What does research into neurotransmitters on their own ignore?
Ignores the wider influence of brain structure has on aggression
Who conducted research into the affect of hypothalamus stimulation on aggression?
Flynn 1960: cat brains, lateral hyp. = ‘cold blooded’: predatory behaviour, medial hyp: ‘hot blooded’: vicious attack
What are the different roles of the hypothalamus, amygdala and frontal cortex in the brain?
hyp: decides, Am: computes, F.C. moderates
Which 2 psychologists conducted research into the stimulation of the amygdala on aggression?
Potegal 1991: hamsters, central nucleus active with aggression
Blair 2001: damaged amygdala in emotionless psychopaths (low empathy)
Who conducted research on the effect of lesioning the amygdala on aggression?
Zagrodazka 1998: cats ‘col’ central nucleus lesion = predatory behaviour
What is the case study that focusses on the frontal cortex and aggression?
Phineas Gage, dynamite rod through head, survived another 12yrs but was more aggressive
Why is the case of Phineas Gage so significant?
Prospective: his brain was fine before his injury so causal link is definite, could not conduct this kind of research
What details differ between animal and humans which might undermine research?
We have free will (psychological above physiological needs), consciouness
What are the disadvantage of the biological approach?
Ignores situational factors (Bushman 1993, 1997 affect of alcohol on aggression), ignores that aggression could be caused by frustration, there are cultural differences: Anderson and Dill 2000
What research was conducted on the relationship between aggression and the frontal cortex?
Raine 1997: 40 murderers matched with control, PET to measure glucose metabolism in brain, murderers = less in F.C., multiple murderers = extensive activity in in P.F.C
