biological explanation of aggression - brain structure Flashcards
What does the prefrontal cortex do and where is it?
This part of the cerebral cortex right at the front of the frontal lobe
regulates behaviour and governs social interaction. Gives us the ability to delay gratification of an impulse by inhibiting (suppressing) messages from the amygdala
What is the prefrontal cortex link with aggression?
Raine (1997) - our classic study - found abnormally low metabolism in the prefrontal cortex of murderers compared to matched control group
What is the evidence/case study for prefrontal cortex?
PHINEAS GAGE
Railway worker in the USA - in 1848 he suffered an accident when an iron rod set off an explosive and it blew straight through Gage’s face and out the top of his head
For the remaining years of his life, people say his personality had changed as he became irresponsible and aggressive.
It was the damage to his prefrontal cortex which caused this.
Where is the hypothalamus and what does it do?
The hypothalamus is part of the limbic system
It maintains homeostasis (stability of the body)
What is the hypothalamus link with aggression?
This is linked to aggressive behaviour in males via the production of testosterone
What is the evidence for the hypothalamus?
Where is the amygdala and what does it do?
What is the amygdala link with aggression?
The reactivity of the amygdala in humans is proven to be an important predictor of aggressive behaviour
What is the evidence for the amygdala?
Texas owed shooting of 1966 in which Charles Whitman, a student and ex-marine, fired down from the clock tower on the campus of the university of Texas, killing 14 people and wounding 31 others. Earlier in the day, Whitman had killed his wife and mother.
Whitman was suffering from feelings of rage, confusion, and violent impulses, which he documented exhaustively in writing
He had a tumour which pushed against the amygdala region of his brain
The role of serotonin and dopamine
- what does it do
Serotonin and dopamine link with aggression
Evidence for serotonin and dopamine link
