Biological Explanations - Hormones Flashcards
Which hormone is associated with aggressive behaviour?
Testosterone
What do studies of cultural differences suggest?
Males are typically more aggressive than females
Why may males be more aggressive than females?
Due to biological differences between sexes. Males produce ten times more testosterone than adult females.
What study supports hormones causing aggression?
Dabbs et al
What we’re Dabbs et al’s findings?
There is a positive correlation between high levels of testosterone in males that had committed more violent crimes.
Evaluation points for Dabbs et al’s study?
There are exceptions to this pattern which highlight the problems with a correlation, that it cannot be determined that a third factor is at not play. Also, if testosterone were the major force behind aggression then we would expect all men to be aggressive and all women to be docile. This isn’t the case suggesting other factors are involved (nurture)
What debates can be used for biological causes of aggression?
Nature/nurture
Socially sensitive research
What is the nature nurture debate?
Nature would suggest that due to higher levels of testosterone men are more aggressive than women. However, this cannot be the sole cause, otherwise we would expect all males to be aggressive and all women to be docile. Therefore, nurture must have some impact i.e those who have grown up around violence may be more aggressive. If the explanations for nature and nurture are intertwined they provide a more logical and accurate explanation’
Explain the socially sensitive debate…
Men could claimed they cannot be held liable of they have committed a violent crime due to their nature/biology and having higher levels of testosterone. This would be unjustifiable which is why it is not an accepted excuse in court.
What are hormones?
Chemicals that regulate and control bodily functions
What are the three biological explanations of aggression?
Genetics, hormones, neurotransmitter imbalances
